The Toronto Gaels have been built on Irish tradition and competition associated with the great game of Gaelic Football, and we have seen much success in our 20 year history. Our greatest accomplishment is in welcoming new Irish immigrants that arrive in Toronto, who are not only looking for the excitement of competition on the field, but the traditions and camaraderie off the field they enjoy back home.
You may contact us directly using our ONLINE FORM, we would be happy to provide you with more club information!
TRIBUTE TO CIARAN SHANNON
"The shamrocks look better from above than below, so live your life full out."
-Ciaran Shannon
On June 27th, 2009 Ciaran Shannon was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in County Wicklow.
Ciaran was 37 years old and leaves behind his wife Avril and his three daughters, Ciara (8), Jade (6) and
Laci-Jane (4). Avril is also 27 weeks pregnant with their fourth child. Ciaran's friends from both the insurance community and the Gaelic Football community have joined forces to commemorate the loss of such a special friend, father and husband.
Join us at PJ O'Brien'slocated at 39 Colborne St.,Toronto Friday, October 23rd 2009 6:30pm until late to support the creation of an education fund for the Shannon family.
Entertainment by Hugo Straney with a silent auction, door prizes and an opportunity to record your own intimate message to the Shannon family.
For more information or to donate please visit: ciaranshannoncanadatribute.com
CIARAN
SHANNON
Former club
member Ciaran Shannon was killed tragically in a car-accident on his way to
play a league game for his home club, Annacurra, in his native Wicklow on
Saturday June 27th last.
Ciaran was both
an exceptional footballer and an exceptional man. It would simply not be
possible to find a person that would have a bad word to say about Ciaran. Prior
to coming to Canada he had played senior inter county football for both Wicklow
and Sligo, and needless to say for a small club like ours to be graced with
such a talent was akin to winning the lottery.
Not surprisingly
he was chosen as our player of the year for most if not all of the seasons (2001-2006)
that he played with us, reflecting not only his phenomenal talent and work-rate
but moreover his commitment to his team-mates, many of whom would have been
only playing Gaelic Football for a few years - Ciaran never had anything other
than words of encouragement for all his team-mates. In particular Ciaran
developed a special friendship with the late Johnny Sumandl during their time
playing for the Gaels. It defies belief that these two larger than life
characters have been taken from us and their loved ones.
Ciaran's wife
Avril also played in the Toronto GAA, with the Cusacks. Avril and their 3
daughters Ciara (8), Jade (6) and Lacey-Jane (4) were also in the car at the
time of the accident but mercifully none were badly injured. Avril is 4 months
pregnant with their 4th child. Needless to say the club's deepest
sympathies go out to Avril and the girls and also to Ciaran's parents, his
brothers and his sisters. We know how much we all feel this loss and can only
begin to imagine the depth of their bereavement.
It is simply not
possible to convey in words how much he meant to those that had the privilege
of knowing him. Thousands of people turned out at his funeral and it was
covered by the national newspapers in Ireland.
The Toronto Gaels, in tandem with Ciaran's many friends and admirers will be organizing a tribute night to allow all that knew him pay their respects to this great man. More details will follow on this in due course.
Ni fheicimid a leithid aris- Truly, we will not see his like again. May he rest in peace.
Deepest Sympathy
Our condolences also go out to the Costelloe family as Neal (Cossy) Costelloe's father sadly passed away Tuesday 7 July. May he rest in peace.
Neal was a former player with the Gaels.
Photo Slideshow
We would like to thank everyone who helped make our 20th Anniversary banquet such a success! Check back here for an event update, in the meantime, we are pleased to provide you with
The Photo Slideshow that was presented throughout the evening. All the individual photos are also available for download in our Photo Gallery
See our Events page for more details
Check out the Links & Resources section as we continue to add relevant links.
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