About Us
More Than a Sport Club
Nijmegen Gaelic Football Club's mission is to consistently provide a community to those in and around Nijmegen, regardless of background, ability and nationality who wish to enjoy and promote Gaelic games and the Irish culture, and to promote the inclusive and respectful building of lasting relationships through recreation and sports.
Our Story
Nijmegen Gaelic Football Club was established in August 2021 by Monaghan man Ciarán Martin and his Dutch wife Siep van Hout. After moving to the Netherlands Ciarán felt he was missing a part of home. Having always played football growing up he figured starting a club would be the way to go. Since starting the club it has grown faster than anyone could have expected, showing once again the reach of the Irish abroad and the interest the culture holds for people of different nationalities!
The club currently has a men’s and a women’s team for Gaelic Football and has recently started offering Hurling and Camogie training as well. We accept adults of all ages and of all experience levels. Those interested in the sport with no previous experience will be taken on and shown the ropes before being taken on to train with the team.
As a club our focus lies on giving Irish people in and around Nijmegen a feeling of home away from home. To come together and get active in a way that feels familiar. What surprised us in a sense was to find people of other nationalities (including of course, the Dutch) to be interested as well! We now find ourselves with a club of around 50 members from all over the world and growing.
August 2021
First Training
Ciarán and Isabelle decide on a drunken night that they should organise a Gaelic Football training. Asked about it the next day by Siep, neither of them remembers. Nevertheless, Ciarán and Siep buy some equipment and Isabelle brings her friends. The first training is a fact!
April 2022
Becoming Official
Ciarán and Siep go to a sollicitor and the Irish Cultural and Sports Association Gelderland is born! A big dream that starts with Nijmegen Gaelic Football Club. This is also when the club gains its bank account and is able to receive money from its first sponsors.
May 2023
Hosting a Tournament
In May of 2023 NGFC was able to host its first tournament. With the help of then member Koert they got to use the pitches of soccer club Constantia in Wanroij.
It was a sunny day, the tournament was well attended and the ladies topped the day off by winning the 2023 Benelux Shield.
June 2024
First Gala
A new addition to the yearly calendar. The club's newly formed social committee organises a gala. A night of fancy outfits, awards and dancing ensued at restaurant de Waagh in Nijmegen. They'll have us back, but might reconsider the open bar for this year though...
November 2021
First Tournament
With members joining fast the club was able to go to it's first development tournament after only four months. We braved a very cold Novembers day and went down to Maastricht with 11 lads and 9 ladies.
January 2023
Training on a Pitch
Through the determination of Ciarán the club got into contact with a local soccer club generous enough to give them some space on their pitches. Going from the local park to an actual pitch felt very luxurious. We have played at Union Soccer Club since then.
October 2023
First Merch
In October 2023 founders Ciarán and Siep got married, and the club gained a sponsor in the form of Ervaar Pim, owned by Siep's stepfather Pim Burgers. Pim gave Siep and Ciarán a wedding gift in the form of sponsored NGFC pint glasses. The club now had its first item of merchandise to sell!
October 2024
Pan-Euro's, Lyon
The club makes its way to their first championship outside of the Benelux in the form of the 2024 Pan-Euro's in Lyon, France. We went over for four days and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Although not too successfull in the sports departement, it was an amazing bonding experience!
January 2022
First Sponsors
The club owes much of its jump start to the first two sponsors, Martin Property Consultants Dublin and Instamix. Due to their generous sponsorships we were able to go to our first Benelux Championship tournament in our epic red and black jerseys!
April 2023
First Fundraiser
Looking to finance the end of year BBQ and awards night, the club decided to host its first fundraiser. In true Dutch fashion we attended the Kingsday Jumble Sale. Family and friends came through with donations and the day was a succes. The Kingsday fundraiser has been a staple since.
October 2023
Pan-Euro's Winners!
October 2023 NGFC men's team made their way to The Hague and absolutely dominated the junior league of the Pan Euro's, bringing home a cup trophy and an MVP award for Chairman Conor Lester! Coach Ciarán wachted the whole match from a WhatsApp video call while on honeymoon!
January 2025
Introducing Hurling
After pushing for it since he joined the club, chairman and Corkman Conor Lester got his way at the start of 2025: the time is right for NGFC to start offering Hurling and Camogie training! With help from a GGE grant for equipment and more pitch time offered by Union, the first trainings are underway!