25feb2026 - The Brendan’s hurlers got their year up and running with a pre-season trip to Germany, taking on our new friends Cologne Celtics in a challenge match last Saturday morning.

Six Brendan’s players made the journey, and we were delighted to be joined by three members of the newly formed Aachen Gaels to complete the side.

Cologne are a well-established club on the European GAA scene, made up of a mix of Irish expats and hurling enthusiasts from Germany and as far afield as Peru.

In a hard-fought contest, Brendan’s came out on top. A second exhibition game followed, with teams mixed, giving our lads a great opportunity to see first-hand the skill on display from our international counterparts.

Cologne also laid on a fantastic day off the pitch, with an obligatory stop at their club sponsor, Jameson’s Irish Bar, to watch the rugby, followed by a visit to a traditional Brauhaus to sample the famous Kölsch beer the city is known for.

It was a brilliant trip and a great chance to build new connections while helping to spread the game. We’re hugely grateful to Cologne for their hospitality and would be delighted to return the favour should they make the trip to Dublin 7.

Hopefully it won’t be our last meeting. Up Brendan’s — and Kollé Abu!