Saturday 9th March 2002 Luxembourg take the early advantage   

The first Hurling challenge of 2002 was held in the Cessange sports ground in Luxembourg. The opposition Den Haag were without key players Colm Doyle, Shane Hogan and Eddie Mould who were unable to travel due to injuries and work committments. 

With the aid of the breeze in the first half the match went all Luxembourg's way. Dennis Harty led well at midfield accounting for an array of scores with J.P. Gormley and Brian Donnegan contributing to a very solid defence. By half time Luxembourg led by 2-5 to 0-1.

However Den Haag changed tactics and Gary Mahoney, man of the match for Den Haag, was moved into the goalkeeper’s position. Willie Hempenstall, a native of Wicklow, in Ireland, where hurling comes second to football was very brave in his marking of Luxembourgs supremo, Dennis Harty, in midfield. Den Haag pulled back some points from Kirwan and Breen before half time. Den Haags defence proved almost impenetrable with Morris doing a capable job in full back position.

After half time a rejuvenated Den Haag came onto the pitch playing with a new energy. Hempenstall scored a goal from distance and Ó Caoimh was able to take two points, one from a free. Kirwan was able to secure another point but Den Haag were unable to capitalise on their possession and hit a number of wides during the second half.

Luxembourg were able to score another goal and point before the end of the match with both Harty and J.P. Gormley in defence putting pressure on Den Haag. Both Den Haag and Luxembourg will come away from this game confident of doing well in this years European Hurling Championship.

The Gaelic Sports Club of Luxembourg were very pleased to have the presence of RTL Luxembourg who are filming Irish activities in Luxembourg at the moment. The next event for the club is the annual Gaelic football match for St. Patrick's day which takes place this Saturday the 16th in Cessange at 2 p.m. All are welcome. Gaelic Football Training continues every Monday night in Cessange at 7p.m.

Den Haag: G. Mahoney, M. Morris, D. Ó Caoimh (0-2), P. O’Reagan, F. Viti,  K. Kirwan (0-2), W. Hempenstall, (1-0), D. Breen (0-2), B. Geraghty, S.  Cardiff.