Our Christmas Party and Fundraiser in aid of the Mark Gilligan Fund was a great success. We raised funds to help finance stem cell treatment in Russia in support of his ongoing battle with MS.  A heartfelt thank you from Mark!

Oh, what a night!

Thanks also from ICN and Den Haag GAA to everyone who made our Christmas Dinner Dance Party such a memorable event –  sponsors of raffle prizes, Mia De Caupenne for her stunning painting for auction “Aran¨, and all in attendance for your extra generous contributions. Perfect entertainment was provided by world class Irish dancers, Laura Lundy and Esther van der Burg, from the Kilkenny School of Irish Dance, D.J. Eoin Foran, and Seán Ó Murchú who coreographed our Irish Set Dancing at the beginning of the evening. A great night was had by all!

Congratulations also to the GAA players and award winners: Áine Cooke , Jay Pacques, Danny van der Spek, David Padden, Damien Ward & Gráinne Temple.

Danny van der Spek, who won Footballer of the Year

Donal Merren, Mary Gavin & GAA award winner, Áine Cooke.

GAA award winners, Áine Cooke and Jay Pacques.

GAA Awards

Hurler of the year

His speed and skill has caused problems for defences all year.
His determination and work rate have inspired his team mates.
From Skerries, Co. Dublin, hurler of the year is Damien Ward.

Camogie player of the year

Probably the fittest member of the club.
She was a star player in every game in every tournament.
She was also training coach for both hurling and camogie and she introduced many new drills.
Always positive, always pushing us to be better, she leads by word and example and we are very lucky to have her in the club. Kildare’s finest: Grainne Temple.

Club person of year

For the last 3 seasons he has planned and lead our weekly football training sessions.
He has organized the team for tournaments and then managed the team on the day.
He has coached football to kids in his school.
He has helped set up the field for tournaments, promoted the club at different events, contributed to committee meetings.
He is a gaa man through and through and the best goalkeeper in Europe.
All the way from Mayo: David Padden

Ladies football (joint winners)

One of the most skilful footballers we have seen in Den Haag.
Not only skilful but also very determined and very intelligent on the field.
She has been to every training and every tournament and she has been a very welcome addition to the club this year.
Proud Limerick woman: Aine Cooke

Joining Aine as player of the year is someone who is relatively new to the game. She is very fit, very strong and very calm. She always takes the right option and she is one of the most important players on the holland gaels team and that is quite an achievement considering she did not grow up playing Gaelic football.
Many people have remarked on how much she has improved this year and that is the result of her dedication and attitude.
She has almost single handedly kept the women’s game going in den haag and has now built a solid group of players that train consistently.
She is serious on the field but has the most wry sense of humour.
She is admired, respected and is very popular in the club.
From New York, via Lyons: Joomi Pak

Footballer of the year

He is strong, tall, fit and fast.
He has plenty of ability and is always willing to learn and encourage his team mates.
He is very dedicated, travelling a long distance to make training every week and he has been to every tournament.
He is well known by referees across Europe.
He is not from a football stronghold but that makes his achievement all the more impressive.
We are very proud of him: the man from Spijkenisse: Danny van der Spek.

He looks pretty happy about it too…