Pat O'Brien Cup and Feile Fundraiser Event

Saturday April 29 sees the beginning of the 2017 GAA season at the Irish Cultural Center.  The Pat O’Brien Cup features 3 games with the defending champions, Connemara Gaels, taking on last year’s championship finalists, Galway.  The other ties see Donegal take on Wolfe Tones and Aidan McAnespies play the Shannon Blues.

The cup takes on a new format with each team playing the others in the group, and at the end of group play the top teams will play each other in the final.  The format ensures at least two games for each club before the Championship begins on June 4, and clubs have the chance to get their home based players back into the swing of things, and to blood some the many new home based signings.  Group A:  Aidan McAnespies, Shannon Blues, Galway, Connemara Gaels.  Group B:  Donegal, Wolfe Tones, Christopher’s. 

There will also be a fundraiser at the ICC on Saturday evening for the U14 teams that will be participating in the Feile at the end of June in Ireland.  The competition is a trip of a lifetime for underage players, who put in a tremendous effort preparing for the competition, and the prospect of traveling to Ireland and being part of the team really bolsters the underage programs in the region.  It is a large expense for a family to travel and a successful fundraiser helps defray some of the cost.

Connemara Ace Sean Conneeley chased by Donegal's

Gavin "Fireman" Gallagher

So, next Saturday is a chance to enjoy some early season action and get out to not only support the home based players, but to give the youth support and enjoy some music and Irish dancing at the fundraising event.

Sat April 29 - Schedule of Games:

4:00 Aidan McAnespies v Shannon Blues

5:00 Galway v Connemara Gaels

6:00 Wolfe Tones v Christopher’s

Fundraiser begins at 6:00.