Paris-Bordeaux, also known as ParisBurdi, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first French team to advance to the All-Ireland LGFA Junior Club Championship quarter-final. The team, a combination of Paris Gaels and Burdigaela players, triumphed over Wandsworth Gaels, the champions of all-Britain, in an exhilarating match at McGovern Park in Ruislip on October 26th.
The upcoming quarter-final match between Paris-Bordeaux, the European Champions, and Coolera/Strandhill, the Connacht Champions, is scheduled for November 23rd in Maastricht at 2 pm. This significant win marks a historic moment for French Gaelic football, as it is the first time a French team has reached this stage of the championship and the first time a team predominantly made up of non-native players has progressed beyond Europe.
With eight French-born players in the starting lineup, the team reflects the growing popularity of Gaelic football in France. Fanny Lézin from Bordeaux shared her love for the sport, stating that Gaelic football has become an integral part of her life and that the club feels like a second family to her. The team’s management, led by a mix of Irish and French individuals including Conor Pelan and Jean-Baptiste Bouglouan, is optimistic about the upcoming quarter-final match.
Despite facing challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure compared to other teams, Paris-Bordeaux has shown resilience and determination throughout the championship. Team captain Ruth Ferguson highlighted the difficulties in securing playing facilities and organizing travel for matches but expressed gratitude for the support received from sponsors and the LGFA. The team’s journey to the quarter-final has been a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport.
As the team prepares to face Coolera/Strandhill, they are reaching out to the community for support through a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel and expenses associated with the championship campaign. The journey of Paris-Bordeaux represents the ongoing growth of Gaelic football in France, with 31 clubs and over 1200 players actively participating in the sport. Despite facing financial challenges, the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level is commendable.
Paris-Bordeaux’s unique blend of players from Paris Gaels and Burdigaela adds an exciting dynamic to the team, as they transition from the nine-a-side format in the French championship to the fifteen-a-side championship football. The players’ dedication and determination have been evident throughout their historic journey in the All-Ireland Club Quarter-Final, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines Gaelic football.
As Paris-Bordeaux continues to make waves in the championship, their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring Gaelic football players in France and beyond. The team’s pursuit of excellence, despite facing challenges, exemplifies the true essence of sportsmanship and teamwork. Stay tuned for their upcoming quarter-final match on November 23rd, where Paris-Bordeaux will aim to make history once again on the Gaelic football stage.
