Goalkeeper Fergal Byron of the 2003 selection bears down on James Nallen of the 2004 team during the Vodafone Gaelic Football All Stars exhibition game at Hong Kong Football Club yesterday. The match, a celebration of the best players in Ireland's most popular sport over the past two years, was watched by a crowd of about 2,500, including Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, who is in Hong Kong with an Irish trade mission to China. Ahern was presented to the teams before the big match, which was a fast-paced, high-scoring affair won by the 2003 selection. The Gaelic football scoring system awards three points for a goal and one for a shot over the bar. The 2003 All Stars won by a score of 6-20 (38) to 6-9 (27). Peter Canavan, an all-time great with the 2003 team, said: 'This has been a great experience. Both the chance to mix with rival players you normally might not socialise with, and to enjoy the hospitality of the people here in Hong Kong.' A festive day's action organised by the Hong Kong Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) at the Football Club included three other games featuring local exponents. The first game saw Hong Kong and Kowloon draw 2-6 (12) to 2-6 (12) with a Rest of the World team that included Sean Kelly, president of the GAA. In the women's match, East Balbriggan beat West Balbriggan by 2-6 (12) to 1-0 (3). And in the most exciting game of the day, a Compromise Rules match, the Hong Kong Aussie Dragons beat Asia GAA 37-34.
