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Double Dutch at St Brigids - Thu, 7 Apr 2005

(Danny Schroder and Arjan Van Ombergen)

With spring finally sprung, it's down to serious business on the playing fields now as a long summer beckons. GAA, that bastion of Irishness continues to evolve and just as Ireland changes slowly from a mono-cultural society so too must GAA adapt. At Beechpark Avenue in Castleknock another example of just how inclusive the game is these days was on show last Sunday as two players from Holland lined out with the local St Brigid's Junior 8 adult football team.

Danny Schroder and Arjan van Ombergen who hail from Kreileroord and Velserbroek respectively took their places in this team which is newly promoted to Division 8 of the Dublin Junior league under the stewardship of Chris Lynam and Keith O'Neill.

Both Danny and Arjan work in IBM's massive facility at nearby Ballycoolin where they work in telesales. They were introduced to the team by a mutual acquaintance and have been playing with Brigid's now for almost 6 months. Back home in Holland they both played soccer and they still line out regularly IBM's indoor soccer team in Ballycoolin.

Kickboxing is another sport they take part in Holland though for now Gaelic football is where they're thoughts are as this years league campaign gets up to full speed. Both, seem to be adapting well to the change in code and Danny's last minute goal in this match was enough to earn St Brigid's a well earned draw with near neighbours St Oliver Plunketts.

There are many differences in life and culture between Ireland and Holland and both commented on the warmth of the welcome they receive locally in Dublin 15. Finally with a total of 6 adult male football teams and 2 adult Camogie teams not to mention 3 adult Ladies football teams playing at all levels between Division 1 and Division 14 new players are always welcome at St Brigid's. Just drop into the club house at Russell Park (behind the Esso garage on the Navan Road) any evening to be put in touch with a suitable team.

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