The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

By Larry Cooney

In the 15th season of British University Gaelic games, the Division 1 football final produced a novel Liverpool derby.

After dominating the tournament since its inception in 1990, former Trench Cup winners St. Marys Strawberry Hill were surprisingly defeated by Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen (RGU) in the quarter-final to set-up a final between the eventual winners John Moores University (JMU) and RGU semi-final conquerors Hope University.

In total 28 teams competed in the largest ever tournament at a rain-sodden Pairc na hEireann.

John Moores, coached by their former player and university All-Star Shane McCann from Tyrone, deservedly edged it in a close final to secure their third title.

Leading by 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time, scores were at a premium in the heavy conditions but the John Moores defence was also in tremendous form and they deservedly held out for 0-7 to 0-5 victory.

Off the field all four codes in Gaelic games were represented at this year’s Annual All-Stars event in Birmingham.

At a glitzy presentation awards the newly-appointed chairman of the Overseas GAA Workgroup Seamus Howlin presented the players with their medals after a rousing auction to raise much-needed funds.

There were a host of newcomers shining through in 2006 as well.

Although relatively new to University GAA competition Chester University succeeded in acquiring their own playing facilities in the college campus at Blacon thanks mainly to the determination of Clare woman Mary Corry.

The pitch was officially opened on October 15 and those in attendance included the Mayor of Chester Sandra Rudd and President of the LGFA Geraldine Giles who flew from Dublin for the event.

Chester has been designated to host the annual 2007 shinty/camogie/hurling tournament on January 27.

The University of Wales, Bangor has also applied for the use of the pitch as their home venue.

The next step must surely be the establishment of a local GAA club team affiliated to the Lancashire GAA County Board.

In ladies football Pairc na hÉireann was once again the venue for the Ladies 7s Championships, which this year also included debutants Oxford.

After the high standard of football played last year everyone was expecting a very competitive and enjoyable day’s tournament.

As always the big three teams — St. Marys London, Liverpool Hope and Liverpool John Moores — proved the dominant forces with all three reaching the semi-finals and the defending champions Liverpool Hope’s two teams meeting at this stage of the competition.

St. Marys saw off John Moores in the other tie however Hope retained their title with just a goal to spare in a thrilling final on a score of 1-7 to 0-7.

While still at a fledgling stage compared to its football equivalent the hurling Championship featured nine teams from across the country.

Scotland’s representatives at Manchester’s event this year were holders Dundee, Robert Gordons and debutants Napier.

Liverpool Hope and John Moores represented the north-west, Sheffield Hallam were joined by debutants Huddersfield while southern representatives Strawberry Hill and Oxford completed the line-up.

The shock of the qualifying groups was undoubtedly Dundee’s elimination at the expense of Napier and with RGU facing Strawberry Hill, John Moores completed the semi-final pairings.

While Napier had little difficulty disposing of the Liverpool team to reach their second consecutive final, only two points separated the sides in the other tie.

Napiers victory therefore set up yet another all-Scottish final.

The debutants maintained their impressive form in the final to easily overcome RGU by 1-4 to 0-1.

Captain and Kilkennyman Conor Delaney lifted the Meagher Cup for Napier and also received the player-of-the-tournament accolade.

This year the London University Football Championships will move to London and to the home of the Tir Chonaill Gaels club in Greenford.

They are due to take place on the weekend of February 16.

Finally former John Moores player and coach Shane McCann was appointed Games Promotion Officer last September.

His appointment, which is being funded by Díon, is an indication of the rapid growth in the development of Gaelic games in third level education in Britain.