^{Malmo         3-08}

^{Copenhagen 1-04}

^{A warm, fresh day welcomed the four visiting teams to Malmo's new Pairc ui Caoilean and with the wind cutting from south to north across the ground accuracy and precision in front of goal were of the utmost importance. The opening clash was between Malmo and Copenhagen, close neighbours and rivals. Malmo began with purpose, using midfield as their platform for attack, and quickly opened the scoring through a well placed Michael Lynch free kick. The Cork man was returning from injury and his presence in the team was felt immediately, running at the Copenhagen back line and causing them all sorts of problems. Noel Grehan was next on the scoresheet for the Swedish side, a neatly won ball in the top right corner was finished with a graceful stroke from the 21. Copenhagen soon regrouped and started to get into the game,  however three quick attacks for the Danes side failed to garner a score. Aidan O'Reilly and Simmi Josteinsson were excelling in thwarting the Copenhagen forwards, and Dave Loughnane was mopping up spilled ball and creating well for Brian Boyd and Lynch in the centre. A goal for Malmo from Loughnane in the opening half seemed to help the host side settle quicker despite two neat points from Copenhagen and the half time whistle was blown with Malmo 1-04 to 0-03 to the good.}

^{The second half saw more of the same. Scintillating football from the men in green and gold seemed to crush any Copenhagen attack. A brilliantly taken goal early in the second half from Daniel Scotford killed off whatever chance there was of a comeback from the Danes. Copenhagen did play some nice ball in spells but didn't gel as quickly as they would have hoped however they did get a well executed goal and two fine points. Malmo tagged on a goal from Mark Rattigan and with points coming from Lynch and Boyd, finished on a powerhouse display. In the end, Malmo ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 3-08 to 1-04. Things were looking good but with a fresh Stockholm side waiting in the next game tougher times were surely ahead.}

^{Malmo      0-04}

^{Stockholm 2-07}

^{The display of football from Malmo in the opener set up a mouthwatering clash against Stockholm for the second game. Both sides are advocates of the give-and-go handpassing style of play as well as having a number of capable kickers on their teamsheets. The tails of the Malmo men were up after the emphatic victory over a capable Copenhagen side but from the off the men from the capital set about in a piece by pice deconstruction of the Malmo game plan. Each phase of the Malmo attack was broken up by smart Stockholm defending and poor Malmo finishing. Stockholm sprinted off into an early lead with some fine interplays and exchanges from their half back line forward. Having run Malmo ragged from their 45 to the oppostion's 21 the scores were eaasy to pick off. Lynch and Boyd worked tirelessly i lar na pairce to close down the Stockholm threat, as well as O'Reilly, Loughnane and Denis O'Riordan but the clever movement of the Stockholm forwards kept opening gaps in which to expose Malmo's defense. Grehan and Lynch both bagged a point apiece in the opening half of play to leave the scores at 0-02 to 1-04.}

^{Manager Dave Fahy made some changes for the second period with Shane Doherty coming on in the backline as well as Carl Hellman in the forwards but even these strong substitutes weren't enough to stave off a rampant Stockholm side. Grehan popped over two more points, one from a free but Stckholm had the host's measure and more in the second half, comfortably slotting over another three points and a goal to boot. They finished with a flurry to win on a final scoreline of 0-04 to 2-07 and left Malmo to lick their wounds over their hour long break before their encounter with Oslo.}

^{Malmo 4-02}

^{Oslo    0-01}

^{Many were hoping that Oslo could up their game for the day's proceeding but unfortunately this was not the case. Despite travelling with a slightly stronger side than that a month previously they came up short against a Malmo team needing to answer the beating handed out by Stockholm an hour earlier. Goals, goals and more goals was all that was on the Malmo men's minds. Oslo tried to use the physical side of their game in the opening clashes but the Malmo speed was too much to handle. They did however succeed in slowing the game down to their tempo by hunting in packs and using the long punt when in danger. The scoring was opened from the boot of another Lynch free kick and two goals were added from Grehan in the opening period. Malmo also struck the crossbar from a Lynch shot with the referee blowing for the half with 2-01 to 0-01 the score.} 

^{The second half saw Oslo fade but there was no respite for the Norwegians. Lynch goaled for a second time and Grehan slotted over a point before Malmo hit the crossbar again, on no less that three occasion in a row through Lynch, twice, and Josteinsson. Pat Phelan worked hard in front of goal in creating chances for the Southerners having been introduced by Fahy as well as Sami and Hellman. Malmo showed a lot of inefficiency in front of goal but a lot has to be credited to some stern Oslo defending when the time came for it. The final score in this tie was Malmo 4-02 to Oslo's solitary point.} 

^{Malmo        1-05}

^{Gothenburg 0-02}

^{This match had it all to play for with both sides on two wins and a loss. The opening exchanges had neither side really showing their hand and a lot of scrappy turn was in turn met with sloppy finishing. Conor Moynihan and O'Reilly were meeting every ball with hunger from the backline and helping Boyd and Lynch create from the centre. Rattigan was again in fine fettle as was Josteinsson. Gothenburg took the first point of the game but Malmo were quick to level it up through Grehan and Lynch tapped over another to leave the hosts a point up. Some determined play from Gothenburg reaped a point to square the sides again and they had the spectators thinking "The West's Awake" as an upset looked as likely as a win for Malmo.}

^{The start of the second half showed some bright exchanges from both teams but the tie was a good as decicded when the referee awarded a penalty for a for a foul in the Gothenburg box. Josteinsson was called from the cornerback position to cooly place it beyond the 'keeper's left. Bouyed by the three point lead, Malmo rallied for the final five minutes and another two points closed out the game on a comfortable margin of 1-05 to 0-02. Good performances were produced from Sami Mohammed, O'Riordan and Doherty with the unstoppable Loghnane leading from the fore again. The final tie of the day was now set up between Malmo and Stockholm.}

^{Malmo      1-05}

^{Stockholm 3-10}

^{With Malmo on the upswing and Stockholm playing at level best all day, this match-up had all the hallmarks of a classic with the rounded skills of the Stockholm team being matched by the grit and bite in the Malmo side. Malmo opened sharply, in contrast to the earlier meeting of the sides, with a Grehan point which was bolstered by another from Lynch. Malmo's scoring magnates were proving their worth and causing probelms for the Stockholm defence. Stockholm were quick to reply with points of their own but then came the point that turned the game on it's head. After some neat play up the right involving Loughnane, Lynch, David Page-Brown and Grehan, the ball came to The Iceman, Josteinsson, who cooly slotted the ball home to raise a green flag for Malmo. This delighted the home crowd and boosted the Malmo confidence to no end. However, a fast break from Stockholm saw them break to the Malmo 21, and with O'Reilly Moynihan and O'Riordan outnumbered four to three Stockholm nicked a goal of their own and added a further point before the half time whistle was blown.}

^{The second half saw another quick Stockholm break lead to a goal but a defiant Malmo wasn't going to let the game slip so easily. Lynch and Grehan pointed again and Boyd was putting in overtime at half back despite being selected in the centre. Sami, Doherty and Hellman were introduced midway through the half and added to the urgency between the pitches 45's. Stockholm regrouped and steadied the ship with a third goal and a succession of points. With Malmo now chasing the game tiredness was beginning to show with soft frees being conceded as well as scores. At the end of the thirty minutes proceedings were bought to a halt by the referee with a jubliant Stockholm team the victors, their first ever trophy. The final score at Pairc ui Caoilean, Malmo 1-05 to Stockholm's 3-10.}

^{Scandinavia's first ever Poc Fada was held before the final with almost 50 competitors participating. Galway's Dave Fahy will go into the annals as the first man to swing the hurley in attempt to drive the ball but the real place in history will go to Gothenburg's Billy Finn as the overall winner. While hurling is seen as the poor relation of Gaelic Games in Europe we at Malmo hope the introduction of the Poc Fada will help promote the world's fastest and most exciting field sport in pastures new. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all who entered.}

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^{I would like to thank all participants in our second ever hosting of a GAA event. I would in particular like to thank the referee for the day, Shay O'Doherty, for keeping an eye on a gruelling day of football. Big thanks also to Harry's for providing us with the food and entertainment for the evening as well as somewhere to give out the awards. Most importantly of all thanks to eveyone involved with Malmo GAA in organising the tournament. Everything from the pitch, to the trophies, to the afterparty. None of it could have been achieved without your work and dedication to this fine club. Long may it last!}

^{Denis O'Riordan}

^Chairman

^{CLG Malmo}

^{Championship Table}

The 2010 Scandinavian Championship began in earnest on Saturday last in Copenhagen and much like last year’s, this wasn’t for the faint hearted. With the competition boosted by the forming of Oslo and Stockholm GAA clubs, last year’s champions, Malmo, were sure to have a tough defence of their crown.

A dry, still day greeted the clubs to the western shores of the Oresund and with throw in at an early 11am the time for catching up with friend and foe alike was at a premium. The opening fixture was between defending champions Malmo and last year’s kings of Europe, Copenhagen. This match was to serve up one of the most physical bouts of the day with the neighbours going at it hammer and tongs.

Malmo drew first blood with opening scores from Noel Grehan and Mark Rattigan. They seemed to settle quicker but this Copenhagen side is made of stern stuff and had other ideas. With Malmo trying to utilise their tried and trusted formula of passing and working fast ball up the park, Copenhagen were quick to spoil and capitalise on the lost possession. Their much more direct style of play gained some nicely taken scores as well as disrupted the Malmo strategy. Copenhagen were on the up-swing in the second half but due to superb displays from Aidan O’Reilly, Dave Loughnane and in particular Simmi Josteinsson their efforts were thwarted. The introduction of David Page-Brown added a bit of urgency to the Malmo forward line and this was boosted by Martin Long and Brian Boyd who played well in the engine room and helped force more scores for Malmo. Despite the Copenhagen pressure, Malmo ran out victors by the slimmest of margins 0-5 to 0-4. Next up, Stockholm.

Having suffered a scare at the hands of their neighbours, one would think Malmo would pull together and try harder as a unit. This proved true for the opening half of this encounter but Stockholm, this year’s young pretenders, had a message to send out to the four corners of Scandinavia. With captain Denis O’Riordan opting to play with what little breeze the ground offered the ball was thrown in for what many believed may be the decider for the top spot. Again Malmo began rightly with passing between O’Riordan, Boyd and Rattigan unlocking the Stockholm rearguard. Page-Brown, one of the latest to pick up the round ball for the Oresund men, was also making a nuisance of himself and picked up a score from a tight angle for his efforts. Again, Josteinsson at the back proved a thorn in the Stockholm side. With possession and chances being spurned by both sides it was still all to play for at the half.

A coolly taken goal in the opening seconds of the second half by Conor Moynihan had the game firmly in Malmo’s hands but this team seem slow to learn some hard truths from last year; Small pitches and short halves make for handy scoring from quick counter attacks. A lot had been made of this Stockholm side before the first ball had been thrown in and they showed why after this setback. Stockholm regrouped and with some nice hand passing soon scored a goal of their own. Malmo didn’t seem to have a reply and from here Stockholm raised the white flag three more times in quick succession. Malmo surged again but Stockholm were firmly in the driving seat at this stage and rallied for a late point to finish with a scoreline of 1-6 to 1-3. The men from the Swedish capital had surely thrown down the gauntlet.

Gothenburg proved tricky opposition last year for the reigning champions and last Saturday was to be no exception. Despite travelling with a weakened side they had shown a lot of skill and ruthlessness in front of goal in their opening games. The Malmo manager Dave Fahy rang in the changes for this clash, tactically with one eye on a possible deciding duel with either Copenhagen or Stockholm. O’Riordan was moved to the more familiar half back position with Loughnane in at full forward. On too came Shane Doherty at corner back with Josteinsson pushing to the half slot. Newcomer Sami Mohammed picked up his second championship start as did Tipperary native Pat Phelan. Having lost their goal keeper, Jorg Pareigis, due to injury Moynihan stepped between the sticks for the men in green. Gothenburg were never going to let this go easily and from the outset hassled and harried the Malmo troops. O’Riordan flourished in the half back role and played some clever ball to Phelan who picked up his first score in the Malmo colours. Again Loughnane proved his worth at top of the left to set up further scores for Long and Grehan. Despite a two goal cushion Malmo’s defending made life difficult for themselves and it wasn’t long before Moynihan was forced to make a fine point blank save after an excellent Gothenburg break from midfield. Doherty led by example and on two occasions broke up play in his own full back line which led to Malmo scores. O’Riordan, bringing his running game to the fore linked up well with Page-Brown to turn another slate for the Malmo men. Gothenburg rallied again but fine performances from Phelan, O’Reilly and the effervescent Josteinsson were enough to see off the men from the West. Joe Whelan, Sami and Grehan also accounted well for themselves as did Boyd. The final score here was 0-5 to 0-4. Another tight finish, with Malmo the victors despite a gutsy performance from Gothenburg.

Oslo , the other newcomers to this competition, lay in wait for the Skåne side in the last match of the round robin. They had already achieved the unenviable tag of whipping boys earlier in the day but with Malmo serving up the best and worst of football all day they were not being taken lightly. Again Fahy tactfully sent on fresh legs as in the prevouis game. Sami began to operate around the centre with Boyd; Long in as target man and Grehan roving on the 50. Again Doherty was in the backline but this time on the half. With Boyd in fine fettle all day for the Southerners he combined well with Long and Grehan to prise open the tired Oslo defence. O’Riordan and Phelan also put together combinations leading to scores for the Tipp man. With Calle Hellman in at top of the right his give and go game was causing problems for the Norwegians. Another debutante, Hellman proved he can be a handful for the tightest marker. He was unlucky not to be on the scoring end of some tidy passing moves. With O’Reilly mopping up everything at the back, Doherty was also staking a claim for starting place in the final should it come about. Despite travelling with a far from strong side, Oslo did play some nice football and were unlucky when a possible goal chance was spurned at the top of the left. Malmo did eventually run out comfortable winners 0-8 to 0-1 while Oslo were doomed to the wooden spoon.

All eyes turned now to the clash of Copenhagen and table toppers Stockholm. A win for the hosts would see them through to the final on points difference over Malmo but Stockholm won this contest to set up an all Sweden decider.

With an hour until the final, Fahy had ample time to discuss strategy with selector O’Reilly. The new kid on the block, Hellman, nominated himself for goals, never an easy thing to do, and applied himself to his duties with gusto. Moynihan formed the second to last line of defence with O’Reilly, with Loughnane and O’Riordan lining out on the 50. Again Long flanked Boyd i lar na pairce with Rattigan, Page-Brown and Josteinsson making up a three man half forward line. Grehan was chosen in the full forward slot having shone there all day.

At the time for throw in, the sun was casting a log shadow from the West and although this was billed as a 30 minute affair the teams agreed on a 20 minute game, fatigue being the overriding factor.

Long immediately had an impact on proceedings when a cheeky hand pass set O’Riordan off through the centre. A neatly played ball to the chest of Grehan followed and from his trusty right boot the Longford man scored the opener. Some excellent fielding by Boyd in the centre led to an interchange with Page-Brown and Grehan with the ball finally being cleverly punched over the bar by Long to raise the white flag. Long had been blowing hot and cold all day but was finally coming into his own.

Stockholm broke some Malmo possession midway through the half and working in groups with their patented hand passing worked a nicely taken score. 0-2 to 0-1 to the Southerners. Stockholm threatened further but O’Reilly and Loughnane spoiled on the 21 forcing the ball wide. Half time came and this was still in the melting pot and all to play for.

The men in green and gold certainly had their tails up but as was evident earlier in the day you write this Stockholm side off at your peril. With Grehan now roaming on the 40, Josteinsson found himself in an acre of space from a great ball over the top from Boyd. Having beaten his man he failed to capitalise and sent the ball wide. Grehan was causing all sorts of problems now as were Boyd, Long and Moynihan, Boyd’s flamboyance matched only by his shorts. O’Riordan and Rattigan worked well on the left, the Meath man creating for Grehan and this sent Malmo two for the good with the finish in sight. Stockholm replied but Malmo broke from the kick out and turned another slate. With a slender two point gap nerves and frustration were showing on both sides. This, however, was soon to be put to bed. Following a foul on Moynihan, a build up began on Malmo’s 40 and down the right flank with the ball ending up in the hands of the crafty Page-Brown. A glance at the posts was all he needed when he let fly with a point good enough to have graced Pairc ui Caoimh or Croke Park alike. This had the Oresunders up by three and sent their following into rapturous applause. The resulting kick out was caught by the Malmo captain, O’Riordan and with that the referee blew a halt to proceedings in Copenhagen, Malmo taking the spoils and so ending the tale of two cities.

While much can be made of the Malmo win there were many more lessons to be learned on the day. Stockholm, Copenhagen and Gothenburg are no mugs and Oslo can surely only be on the up swing. These will all be different, stronger teams for the next outing in Malmo on June 19^thand will have taken some positives from the opening round. With the supplementing of their teams they will be putting a heavy shoulder to the doors at Fortress Malmo. As for Malmo, one swallow doesn’t make a summer but for now, with a slight advantage over the challengers for their crown, they’ve earned their day in what little sun the Oresund region can afford.

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Thanks to all the Malmo members both on and off the field for the huge effort put in to bring the cup back home.

Thanks also to the other clubs for their participation, especially Copenhagen for hosting the event and hope to see you all in Malmo on June 19^th.

Denis O’Riordan 
Chairman 
CLG Malmo.