Wizards of Oz: Ardara to host very special Harps GFC Brisbane reunion

Former Ardara senior footballer Derek Boyle is bringing his all conquering Harps GFC Brisbane team for a very special ten-year reunion.

Back then, Harps created their own little piece of Australian history when they landed four Queensland SFC titles in a row between 2010 and 2013.

Harps celebrated 30 years in existence last year and from 2018 to 2022, they went one better than their previous feat as they claimed five successive Queensland SFC crowns.

But it’s their original feat, from back in 2013, that has prompted Boyle to organise a reunion on August Bank Holiday weekend at Pearse Memorial Park. 

That Harps team, which will also include a few players from beyond 2013, will once again take to the field. Providing the opposition will be a very special and local Over 35s Select, rounded up by Derek’s brother, ex-Donegal midfielder Brendan Boyle.

Derek explained: “It’s just something that we thought would be a really nice thing to do - to meet up again as we’re all scattered about the place right now.

“The majority of this team have settled back home, but there are are still a few lads from that era in Brisbane but it’ll be a lovely chance to get things back together.

“When you are away from home it’s just great to have that Irish community and be involved in the GAA.

“Brendan has already roped in some brilliant former Ardara lads so we’re expecting a really competitive game. But the real aim of the weekend is to just have some fun and look back at that special feat - the ‘four in a row’.

“As well as our men’s side, our ladies team’s Role of Honour, over the last 25 years, is absolutely amazing. They’ve picked up numerous league and championship doubles along the way as well.

“Just this weekend gone by, it was a proud day for the club as our senior ladies and mens teams completed the championship double in Queensland, the first time since 2010.

“It’s shaping up to be a great weekend. Ardara, to their credit, they’re pulling out all the stops in welcoming and hosting us. So the final touches are being put to all of that right now. We’re really looking forward to it”.