VAN ISLE ROVERS
GAELIC ATHLETIC CLUB
THE RISE OF THE ROVERS
The Van Isle Rovers Gaelic Athletic Club (VIRGAC) is a registered non-profit organization that is 100% volunteer operated. Every practice and game in the league has been run exclusively by its members and volunteers. Formed in September 2019, our roster of players is steadily growing! Although many of our players are first-generation Irish immigrants, many Canadian-born players have also joined the team to reconnect with their Irish roots or to try something completely new. Dipping into a diverse talent pool allows the Van Isle Rovers to operate as a successful and dynamic organization. Our mission is threefold: to promote Gaelic culture on Vancouver Island; to improve each member’s individual athletic ability, self-discipline and character; and to spark a passion for Gaelic sports among Canadians, Irish-born, and the local community
as a whole.
The majority of our 2024 games will be played
against the well-established Vancouver GAA division teams. Gaelic sports have been steadily rising in popularity in Greater Vancouver, which now hosts four Gaelic football teams: ISSC, Fraser Valley Gaels, Éire Óg and St. Finnians. Vancouver also has three hurling teams: Cú Chulainn, the Vancouver Wolfetones and the JP Ryans. The major local event for our team this year will be at the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival held on May long weekend each year.
MEET OUR COMMITTEE
TIERNAN MAHADY
Chairperson
Cathaoirleach
Tiernan grew up playing hurling for Kiltale, in Co Meath. He moved to Victoria in 2017 and began work as a carpenter. Tiernan plays Gaelic football and hurling for the Rovers.
EMILY RUDDERHAM
Secretary
Rúnaí
Emily was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC. Her introduction to Irish sports came from meeting her (Irish) partner in New Zealand. Hoping an abundance of zeal will disguise her lack of skill, she has stepped up to the pitch to play football with the Rovers.
RHIANEDD GWILYM
Vice Secretary
Leas Rúnaí
Rhianedd has been playing with the Rovers since 2023.
LAURA ISHERWOOD
Registrar
Cláraitheoir
Laura has been playing with the Rovers since 2021.
LAURA COLQUHOUN
Players' Representative
Imreoirí Ionadaí
Laura has been playing with the Rovers since 2023.
KENDAL SINCLAIR
Players' Representative
Imreoirí Ionadaí
Kendal has been playing with the Rovers since 2019.
DIXON EDDY
Players' Representative
Imreoirí Ionadaí
Dixon has been playing with the Rovers since 2023.
NICKY BROWN
Vice Chairperson
Leas Cathaoirleach
Nicky has been playing with the Rovers since 2023.
JOHN FEE
Treasurer
Cisteoir
John hails from Drumreilly, Co. Leitrim, where he divided his time between the football pitch and the family farm. He always found a football team to play with, no matter which country he was living in; now he can add Canada to the list as one of the founding members of the Rovers.
ABBY POLLEN
Public Relations Officer
Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí
Abby has been playing with the Rovers since 2020.
HEATHER MAHADY
Vice Public Relations Officer
Leas Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí
Heather is from Victoria and fell in love with Irish sports and culture while travelling abroad in Ireland in 2016. She was one of the founding members of the Rovers.
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JOHN FLANAGAN
Development Officer
Oifigeach Forbartha
John Flanagan, a second generation native born Victorian with a keen interest in all things Celtic. While travelling through Ireland in the early 1970’s he became fascinated with Irish sport, music, culture and history. John is very interested in developing a strong Irish community on the Island and sees the success of the Van Isle Rovers as the impetus to achieve that goal.
CLODAGH MOLONEY
Coaching Officer
Oifigeach Cóitseála
Clodagh has been playing with the Rovers since 2023.