Photos: All-China Gaelic Games in Shanghai

The Irishness of Shanghai spiked this past weekend as Gaelic football players and their fans from all over the country converged at the 7th All-China Gaelic Games on Saturday. Held at the Shanghai Rugby Football Club in Waigaoqiao, Pudong, the Shanghai Saints and Sirens faced old rivals from Beijing, Dalian, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, as well as newcomers from Changsha and neighboring Suzhou. The Shanghai ladies won the women's bracket, capturing the coveted cup for the first time in their club history. In the men's final, Hong Kong defeated Shanghai to win the men's cup.

In total, 168 athletes representing more than 15 nationalities were in attendance, as well as a referee flown in especially from Ireland by the Asian County Board.

For those who are unfamiliar with the sport (as many are outside of the Emerald Isle), Gaelic football combines the ball skills of soccer with the rough-n-tumble play of rugby, with elements of basketball and other sports tossed in.

You can find more Shanghaiist coverage of Gaelic football here.