Singapore Gaelic Lions: GAA triumph in tropical heat
In the heart of one of Asia’s most fast-paced cities, a vibrant Gaelic Games community is thriving. The Singapore Gaelic Lions have been togging out at tournaments across Asia since 1997, and have since grown to become one of the largest GAA clubs in Asia.
Brian Cummings moved to Singapore with a challenge ringing in his ears: don’t show up to the Asian Gaelic Games unless you’ve got a Singapore team with you. He took that to heart.
A few months later, after some persuasive recruiting across the island’s Irish watering holes, the Singapore Gaelic Lions were born.
A club that meant business from the start
They made their mark on the GAA scene quite quickly. A near-win against Taiwan in their debut tournament proved they had potential, and by 1998 beating the then-undefeated Hong Kong side became their first major win.
In 1999, the club expanded to include a women’s team, and that same year both teams reached the finals of the Asian Gaelic Games (AGGs), with the men raising the cup after a win against Japan. The momentum has not slowed since then. The club has gone on to claim 10 Senior Women’s, 8 Senior Men’s, 7 Senior Camogie, and 5 Senior Hurling titles at the AGGs.
A force in Asia’s GAA scene
Today the club is a force to be reckoned with in the region with over 170 members. Their most recent triumph came at the 2024 Asian Gaelic Games, where they fielded a staggering eight teams across men’s and ladies’ football, hurling, and camogie.
Not only did they show up in numbers, but they left with five cups, including both senior football titles and top individual MVP awards.
It was a weekend that captured what the club is all about: competitive grit, community spirit, and celebrations being taken seriously.
Welcoming a diverse community
“We’re especially focused on encouraging more Singaporeans to get involved in the sport. Gaelic Games are for everyone, and the cultural exchange that happens when locals join is brilliant for both the club and the wider Irish community here.” Eimear Gunn, Singapore Gaelic Lions committee chairwoman
Despite a majority Irish membership, a growing number of Singaporeans and expats from other backgrounds are drawn to the club’s welcoming spirit and the thrill of Gaelic Games.
“I’d never heard of Gaelic football before, but I went along to a training session out of curiosity. Now I’m completely hooked, and the club has become a second family to me.”
Nurturing the next generation
Youth development is also a big focus. The “Cubs” programme for children has taken off in recent years, and there are plans to create a clear pathway for older kids to transition into adult teams.
Kids are encouraged to try camogie and hurling as well as football, and the club have seen more children than ever pick up the hurl and sliotar.
At the recent Asia Youth Gaelic Games, over 70 kids and parents proudly represented the club across five categories, with the Cubs bringing home Cup wins at both the U8 and U13 levels.
Life off the pitch
Beyond training sessions and tournaments, the Singapore Gaelic Lions have built a sense of community that stretches far beyond the pitch.
The club organises regular social events, from quiz nights to days on Sentosa’s beaches, as well as annual commemorative games honouring members they have lost.
“In memory of a friend of mine, Lisa Orsi, we run an annual Amazing Race, where members, often dressed in ridiculous outfits, dash across the city in teams,” explains Kym Tonkin, club member and organiser of the event. “We also hold local tournaments in honour of Bill Niko and Alan Power, which bring together not just our club but the wider sporting community in Singapore.”
For newcomers to Singapore, the club often becomes a ready-made support network.
“Singapore is the first place I’ve lived overseas, but when I arrived, the club was a fantastic place for us to make friends, find our feet, and feel at home in the city.”
A very different ball game than home
With the tropical heat and humidity ever-present, playing GAA in Singapore is a world away from the cold, grey winter sessions back home. But what truly sets it apart is the lengths the club has to go to just to play a match.
As the only GAA club in the country, fixtures mean hopping on planes and crossing international borders. From Thailand to Malaysia, Vietnam to Hong Kong, players represent the club throughout the year in various weekend tournaments across the region.
“It’s one of my favourite things about being part of the club,” says Amber Foley, Ladies’ Vice Captain. “I’m from South Africa, and I used to live in Vietnam, so I love that the tournaments give us a reason to travel, catch up with friends, and explore parts of Asia I might not otherwise visit.”
2025: Eyes on the prize
Looking ahead to this year’s tournaments, the goal is clear: “We’re out to retain those senior titles and keep the legacy alive,” says Men’s Football Captain, Michael Neary.
Dates are already set - a hurling and camogie tournament in Hong Kong in August, football in Taiwan in September, and the ultimate event of the year, the Asian Gaelic Games in Thailand this November.
But win or lose, the Singapore Gaelic Lions have already secured something far more enduring, a proud Irish heartbeat in the heart of this modern metropolis.
Follow the team on Instagram or Facebook to learn how you can get involved.