Toronto Gaels Match Report – Saturday May 28, 2022

Toronto Gaels 2022 season kicked off on Saturday, May 28 with both the men’s and ladies teams in action in their opening rounds of the Toronto Senior Football League. The ladies team faced off against Durham at noon, while the men took on St. Mikes at 2.30.

This was the first return of the league competition since the COVID-19 pandemic, with no competitive games played in 2020 and only a short championship knock-out competition in 2021.

The ladies from Toronto Gaels opened up the day’s proceedings. Having only formed as a competitive team in 2019, the clubs ladies team has gone from strength to strength over the past number of years despite lockdowns and a lack of competitive games.

They have managed to recruit a lot of new members over the past few months, which was evident from the numbers available to play in the opening game of their season. Managed by Niamh O’Loughlin, they made full use of the rolling subs rule in place for the Toronto ladies league to ensure that all players enjoyed game time and the team could develop as a squad.

Seasoned players like Erin Merkley played impressively throughout the game, while newcomers Roisin Byrne and Sam Frederick also impressed.

Unfortunately, a seasoned Durham team proved too strong on the day. However, it is clear that the Gaels are going from strength to strength and the season ahead looks bright for this team.

The Gaels men lined out a 2.30 to face old rival St. Mikes on a warm afternoon for their opening game of the season.

This was the first competitive game for the Gaels for many of these men, with several having arrived in Toronto over the past number of months.

New Gaels members Ian Stagg and Cole Lyons were among the strongest for the men’s team on Saturday. Stagg contributed 1-2 to the Gaels score line in what was a tough day out for the men’s team. 

Mikes were the better team from the outset, and two early goals allowed them to build up a healthy lead that the Gaels men were unable to close throughout the rest of the game.

Despite the best efforts of the Gaels squad, including club stalwart Enda “Badger” McHugh – who marked his return to competitive football by bringing his scoring boots – Mikes managed to maintain a healthy lead as the game petered out in the second half.

While it is was a disappointing loss for the Toronto Gaels men, they will eager to shake off this loss as they look forward to a busy season ahead.