Pictured on the left is the first-ever sponsorship contribution received by the Earls, again, written up and signed in Stapleton's pub.

The contributor - an unnamed local businessman who was of sound mind and body at the time of signing.

(He may or may not have lost an arm wrestle in the moments leading up)

The Earls were invited to participate in an exhibition match against Craobh Rua CLG at the St. Patrick's day festival of Brussels. 

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Team: Rory Gibney, Stephen Mcintyre, Ed James, Senan O'Mahony,

Evan Hastings, Daire Cott,

Freddie Raven, Alan Fitzgerald,

Damien Atkins, Bartek & Matias,

Conor Jansen, Jack Matthynssens,

Aidan Campbell, Max Mathay,

Billy Kinane

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Bainisteoir: Karl Duffy 

Although there were very few highlights from the field of play. The Earls thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the regional teams! 

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In the photo on the left players from Leuven, the Hague, and Eindhoven had just finished a nail-biting penalty shoot-out in the final game of the day. 

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We cannot remember the result.

The first-ever major tournament for Leuven was a great one. 

Reaching the junior final was a sublime achievement for our amalgamation team, The Leuven/Slovaks, or, BratisLeuven. 

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The Slovak shamrocks and Leuven were matched together to make up this team that would go so far on the day, losing to the wildly impressive French side of Clermont. 

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Cheers to the Slovak shamrocks for teaming up with us. A great bunch of lads! 

After a great year of learning the ropes in European Gaelic Games, the Earls retreat to the Belgian Ardennes for a "training weekend", planning the year ahead and engaging in some rigorous team bonding activities!

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Thanks to Fr. Juan Carlos for taking care of the accommodation!

Rounds 2 & 3

Many great battles were fought in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Benelux in 2017.

The results of our intense training were becoming visible and things were heating up!