Sun Aug 11 - Junior C Hurling FInal: Sean Og's v hartford

Hartford 0-7 Sean Og’s 4-10

Sean Og’s captured the junior C hurling championship after a well contested final with Hartford.   An early goal for Sean Og’s had Hartford chasing the game, and three more in the second half put the result beyond doubt.  There were some great performances from the newly minted hurlers who are all graduates of the youth program. 

Sean Og’s took the break with a comfortable looking 5 point lead.  An early goal from Jack Martyn, whose long distance free eluded everyone until it found the back of the net, got Sean Og’s off to a great start.  Sean Og’s kept the pressure on with Kieran O’Driscoll, Colm O’Malley, and Martyn sweeping up everything around the middle of the field.  O’Driscoll proved to be the marksman for Sean Og’s with 4 points, although there were some missed opportunities for the youngsters.

Junior C Hurling Champions - Sean Og's

Hartford had some chances of their own and converted 2 points.  One a free from Niall Geoghegan and a fine effort from Eric Stassen resulted in scores.  Goalkeeper, John O’Brien, was called upon to make some saves off the line as Sean Og’s threatened on a number of occasions.  At the break it was a 1-4 to 0-2 score in Sean Og’s favour.

The second half saw Sean Og’s net shortly after the restart with a brilliant effort from Dylan Coyne who had entered play late in the first half.  Coyne followed with an expertly taken point and Hartford had it all to do now, and battle on they did.  Tom Shea answered with a well taken long distance effort, but with 9 points to make up Hartford were going to need a couple of goals.

Hartford Hurling Team

With Hartford putting some pressure on the Sean Og’s goal and threatening to reduce the gap, a third goal came for the youngsters from Eoin Morissey.  Daniel Murphy added a couple of points to extend the lead.  Hartford continued to push with some good work by Mike Lanza, Andrew Collins and Adam Mackie.  Aidan Joyce, however, made some good stops in goal to maintain a clean sheet, and when Peter Bannon netted a fourth, the game was beyond the reach of the Connecticut side.

A successful first foray into the adult leagues for the youth players, many of whom played at minor level at the CYC a couple of weeks ago.  

Hartford:  John O’Brien, Dan Putman, Haley Reierson, Brian Park, Andrew Collins, Ian Fischer, Mike Lanza, Niall Geoghegan, eric Stassen, Tom Shea, John Kilian, Chris Laggis, Adam Mackie.

Sean Og’s:  Aidan Joyce, Aidan Flanagan, Aidan O’Malley, John O’Doherty, Matt Duane, Peter Bannon, Jack Martyn, Colm O’Malley, Daniel Murphy, Kieraan O’Driscoll, Eoin Morissey, Declan O’Sullivan, Stephen Joyce.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Jul 27 - Junior Hurling: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's; Portland v Hartford

Once again in the Junior A Championship, Father Tom Burkes faced off against Offaly in what was going to be a preview of the Junior A Final. Offaly came into today’s match unbeaten and intended to keep it that way, while Father Tom’s were looking to get retribution for their previous match where they failed to secure a victory.

The match started off slowly, with the Tom’s initially struggling to get going. Offaly had struggles of their own as they had a number of shots go wide. It would be Offaly who would open the scoring with a point from midfielder Chris McMahon. Tom’s would respond with two quick points from Frank Dowd and Niall Gleeson. Offaly would then go on a points run and build a lead of 3 points and looked to be flowing and having one up on the Tom’s. A well placed goal from Niall Gleeson however would give the Tom’s hope, as the goal and the following point would put them in the lead once again, Offaly would reply in kind though as Chris McMahon once again would step up for the Offaly men and score a goal and a point before the end of a slow paced half where Offaly would lead 1-7 to 1-4

Offaly would continue the 2nd half and add to their tally with points from Jimmy Rigney and Gary Sherlock. Tom’s would not lay down though as they retaliated with a well worked goal as Chris Donaghue would make a pass to Niall Glesson who made a good run into the Offaly defence and slotted it past the keeper. Donaghue then fielded the subsequent puckout and passed to Conor O’Kane who scored another point. Both teams would go back and forth, Tom’s looking to further close the gap, and Offaly looking to maintain their lead. It would be Offaly who would set the game to bed though as Sean Kinsella would score a goal from a free from outside the square, which was well placed in the lower left, just out of reach of Tom’s keeper Fran Keenan. Tom’s would try and work on their deficit with multiple scores, including a good side line cut for a point from Conor O’Kane, and a goal from outside the square from Niall Gleeson. But Offaly would seal the victory with a goal from Sean Kinsella once again, who hit the rebound off a great save from Tom’s keeper Fran Keenan, to win the game 3-17 to 3-8.

With this win, Offaly finish top of the table and the league undefeated. Father Tom’s have one more match to play against Galway next weekend to work on their form and to fine tune before facing the undefeated Offaly once again in the Junior A Hurling Final

Father Tom’s: Fran Keenan, Peter Boylan, Paddy Critchley, Seamie Higgins, Ryan Maher, Ciaran Mulhall, Conor O’Kane, Colm Kearns, Frank Dowd, Chris Donaghue, Niall Gleeson, Conor Eddery, Terry Doran

Offaly: Noel Graham, Michael Markham, Simon Sinnot, Jimmy Rigney, Brian Murray, Jack Lynch, Emmet Moran, Chris McMahon, Gary Sherlock, CIan Clifford, Sean Kinsella, Oisin McCormack, Killian Cambell

Portland vs Hartford - Junior C Hurling Championship (July 28th)

Hartford and Portland met on a muggy Sunday morning to compete in the Junior C hurling championship. Portland were in the hunt for their first win of the season, while Hartford were looking to get their 3rd win of the season. 

Portland started the game strong and scored a number of points without reply before Hartford got onto the scoresheet. But before they could build some momentum, Portland would score 2 quick goals to widen the gap. Hartford had moments of brilliance as I.Fischer made a great run from his own half to score a goal, and B.Park would get a goal from the 45 yard line to give their team hope. However, Portland drove on and continued to add to their tally to win comfortably for their first win of the season. By Evan McDonagh

Boston Northeast Youth Board AGM

Boston Northeast Youth Board AGM

The Boston Northeast Youth Board AGM took place Sunday, January 29 at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton.  It was very encouraging to see all the positions on the board easily filled.  There was a lot of enthusiasm and plenty of discussion about how to move forward with competitions and transition to adult level for kids who are in the U16-U18 window, amongst other things.

Two positions even went to a vote – an unprecedented and encouraging development in the young life of the Youth Board.  Laura Corbin (ISYL) and Seamus Tobin (St. Brendan’s) each accepted the nomination for Chairperson, and Laura came out on top in the voting.  Martin Kerr (ISYL) and Peadar Nugent (St. Brendan’s) were on the ballot for Youth Officer, and Martin was voted in for the job.  Best of luck to the new board and on to a successful 2017.

The board for 2017 is:

Chairperson – Laura Corbin (ISYL)

Vice Chairperson – Mick Sammon (Trinity Milton)

Secretary – Tara Walsh (Trinity Milton)

Asst. Secretary – Liz Hunt (Trinity Milton)

Treasurer – Darren McGurran (St. Brendan’s)

Asst. Treasurer – Grainne Griffin (ISYL)

Registrar – Brendan McGrath (Trinity Milton)

PRO – Rory O’Donnell (Trinity Milton)

Youth Officer – Martin Kerr (ISYL)

Delegates:  Kevin Doherty (St. Brendan’s), Seamus Tobin (St. Brendan’s), Ellen Joyce (ISYL), Kevin Faherty (Trinity Milton).

by Rory O’Donnell

PRO

Sat Aug 27 - Junior C Hurling Final: Hartford v Barley House Wolves

Barley House Wolves 0-12 Hartford 2-4

It was a final of two halves as the Barley House Wolves erased a large deficit to come back in the second half and capture their first junior C hurling trophy since 2012.  An emotional team captain, Dan Hannah, thanked his teammates for their efforts, and Hartford on a great game.  It is the first piece of silverware heading across the New Hampshire border in 4 years.

Michael Gregoire has a shot for the New Hampshire men.

Hartford came out of the blocks fast and within the first 15 minutes had netted 2 goals.  Barley House Wolves pointed through Sam Durfee, but for a long time that was all that the Concord side could muster.  Tadgh McNilis was the man on the mark for the Connecticut side with both goals, and added a brace of points to open up a nine point lead.  Eventually the Wolves settled down and came into the game, and before half time were level in the points column.  At the break it was 2-4 to 0-4 in favor of Hartford.

The second half saw the Barley House Wolves mount a comeback.  The Granite State men held their opponents at the four points, while they went to work reducing the gap.  Sean Naughton, who had started in goal, was moved outfield and was a key element on the resurgence.   Naughton accounted for 3 of the Wolves points and on numerous occasions was helping out in the half back line. 

Joe Lydon presents the Cup to captain, Dan Hannah.

Hartford had chances to try and stem the tide, but some good goalkeeping and a few narrow wides meant that the Connecticut side could not add to their tally.  Will Mullen and Michael Gregoire took their chances well with some impressive points as the Wolves tied up the game, and had the momentum at that stage.  Pat Naughton put the Wolves ahead with a well taken point and his brother, Sean, added another for insurance.  Time was not on the side of Hartford, and it was a delighted Barley House Wolves that greeted the final whistle.

BHW:  S. Naughton, A. Foley, D. Hannah, M. Wilson, M. Gregoire, D. Williams, R. Nickerson, S. Durfee, D. Polowski, W. Mullen, M. Masz, S. Mullen, T. Starmer.

Hartford:  J. O’Brien, M. Culligan, R. Doton, D. Putman, C. Lee, A. Putman, M. Larza, C. Massie, R. Reed, C. Madson, R. Williams, T. McNilis, F. Brady.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Football: Cork v Aidan McAnespies

Cork 1-13 Aidan McAnespies 0-11

Cork just about held on to the win a game in which the second half produced an exciting 30 minutes following a pedestrian enough opening half.  With McAnespies digging deep to field a team, old warhorses Paddy McCusker and Dermot Gormley started, one expected a fairly straightforward win for the rebels.  It was far from it as there was never more than a score between the teams and the decisive goal could easily have gone to the Macs, however Ollie Murphy was the hero for Cork with a great save from close range, to effectively deliver the rebels from the jaws of what could have been a very demoralizing defeat.

Darren O'Donovan gets a shot off in spite
of the attention of Dermot Gormley.

The Cork defenders had to work hard to keep McAnespies at bay in the first half.  The shorthanded Macs had plenty of possession and created a good number of chances to keep Seamus Loftus, Mike Carolan and their co-defenders busy.  In spite of some timely interventions by the aforementioned, McAnespies tallied five points, one a brilliant effort from distance by midfielder, Pete Carr. 

For their part Cork still enjoyed the majority of possession and put eight points over the bar, Leigh Cunningham coming up with three, the second following a great move in which the side linked well to make the opening.  Cork’s forward line played in spurts though, and missed a host of chances that would have put more distance between the teams.  Other scores came from Niall O’Connor, Jack Lynch, and Padraig O’Shea.  It was still all to play for at the break with Cork ahead by three, 0-8 to 0-5.

The sense of urgency rose in the second half as McAnespies saw victory as within their grasp and Cork saw that defeat was very possible.   McAnespies reduced the deficit to a point with plenty of time to play as Paddy McComiskey and Chris Flynn pointed back to back after the teams had traded three scores a piece.  The Corkmen just could not shake the challenge of their opponents.  There were worry lines furrowed on Cork brows for much of the half as each missed chance from the rebels kept the door open for their opponents to snatch victory. 

It could have gone either way in the end.

With just two points in it, Ollie Murphy stood his ground to save well from a 14 yard shot at goal to prevent McAnespies from taking the lead, but Chris Flynn reduced the gap to a point with 5 minutes to go.  Cork played the possession game to try and run out the clock as McAnespies worked hard to win the ball back or force a mistake.  Cork picked their moment to break upfield, and a Mike Moynihan free kick floated over the bar to make it a two point difference.  Rebel hearts beat easier after second half subsititute Kevin McMahon netted in injury time and Cork get a much needed win heading into the playoff stages of the championship.

Cork:  O. Murphy, T. McCluskey, M. Carolan, D. O’Donovan, B. Devlin, S. Loftus, N. O’Connor, J. Lynch, L. Cunningham, M. Moynihan, J. Lyng, P. O’Shea, P. Wallace.  Macs:  N. Duffy, S. Machen, T. Flynn, R. Finn, T. Rigney, P. McCusker, P. Carr, S. Lynn, M. Daly, A. Mallon, C. Flynn, C. Wallace, D. Gormley.

Cork the Gaels contested the junior B semi-final Sunday.

The Shannon Blues junior A team put themselves in contention for a semi-final spot with a 4-6 to 0-9 win over Galway.  While, in Junior B football the finalists were decided on Sunday afternoon.  Donegal defeated Hartford by a score of 2-15 to 1-3, while the Connemara Gaels beat Cork by a score of 2-7 to 1-14.  The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday, August 13 at 5:30.

By Rory O'Donnell

Pat O'Brien Cup Second Round, Junior C Hurling

Pat O'Brien Cup

Cork 0-6 Donegal 1-11

Donegal's Mark Canney on a foray forward.

Cork and Donegal played the only Cup game on the schedule for Sunday, with Donegal emerging comfortable winners following a closely contested first half.  Donegal fielded a team with strength down the middle.  Matt Smyth was a formidable force in the half back line, and up front Dean Matthews and Gavin Gallagher were involved in many of Donegal's scoring forays.  At the break the northerners held a 5 point lead, and had Matthews to thank for a well taken goal.  Points came from the boot of Pauric McLaughlin, Gallagher and Matthews.  Cork put some well worked scores together.  Mike Moynihan a free, followed by another from play.  Mike Maye chipped in with a score from wing forward.

Donegal's Paul McNulty and Cork's Declan Harrington.

The second half saw Donegal take advantage of the stiff breeze that was now in their favour.  After Maye reduced the gap to 4 points, Donegal proceeded to outscore their opponents six points to one.  McLaughlin tallied two more, Declan Doherty another, Killybegs man, Smyth also got on the scoreboard, and with Mark Canny strong as ever in the back line, Donegal were comfortably into the quarter finals next Sunday where the Tír Chonaill men will face Christopher's.

Christopher's 2-7 Galway 1-8

There was not much between Galway and Christopher's in Friday evening's encounter at the Irish Cultural Center.  In fact, the sides were all square coming into the final minutes of the game.  Christopher's went into the break with a 2 point advantage, 1-3 to 0-5.  The Hyde Park men extended their lead after the break with a second goal, but Galway battled back.  Corner forward, Kevin Cummins chipped the keeper to score a spectacular goal that would grace any field in La Liga to bring his side within 2, but after Galway drew level Christopher's pulled away in the final minutes to see themselves through to the next round of the competition.

Junior C Hurling Championship

Barley House Wolves 6-9 Hartford 0-2

The Wolves Clear their lines.

The recently formed Hartford hurling team faced the iron of the junior C competition when they faced the Barley House Wolves at the Irish Cultural Center on Sunday afternoon.  Based in Concord, NH, the Wolves were formed 8 years ago by veteran troops of the New Hampshire National Guard following a one year tour in the middle east.  In fact, the Wolves showed up with 40 players ready to tog out; Hartford faced a formidable foe. 

Mick Lawrence in action.

At the break the Wolves were ahead 2-5 to a point for Hartford.  Ruairi O'Mahoney and Sean Naughton tallied many of the scores for the New Hampshire side, and while Hartford battled hard the Wolves were not to be stopped. Lore Forde held the goal line well, and Mattie Polomino added a goal.  With Mike Culligan, Cormac Macklin, and Will O'Hara battling away in their lines, Hartford generated some chances but the seasoned opposition proved too tough to break through.  A good opening win for the Concord men who made a strong statement of intent to reclaim the junior C title on Sunday, and Hartford hoping for better things as the season progresses.

Schedule

Sunday May 11

Pat O'Brien Cup

12:00:  Donegal v Christopher's

1:00:  Connemara Gaels v Aidan McAnespies

2:00:  Kerry v Wolfe Tones

3:00 Shannon Blues v Armagh-Notre Dame

4:00 Orla Benson Cup:  Tír na nÓg v Boston Shamrocks

Northeast Colleges Fall Tournament

College Football and Hurling is coming to the North East!  College teams from across the northeast region will be converging on the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury CT in just over 2 weeks for the inaugural fall tournament of Gaelic Football and Hurling.  The IAHS and Hartford GAA have graciously agreed to host the tournament.  Teams from Boston College, St. Joseph’s (Philadelphia), Fordham (New York), Iona (New York), and UConn (Connecticut), along with club teams from Hartford and Worcester, will compete for the fall trophy.

UCONN Hurlers

Gaelic Football and Hurling Clubs have formed in recent years in third level institutions from Southern California to New England. The National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association was established in 2009 to assist in the development of new hurling and Gaelic football teams on college campuses throughout the United States, and to provide a structure in which competitive games can be played.  With GAA clubs springing up on college campuses in the northeast region a need was seen to put some organization and structure around the games.  This year a committee was formed to help with the efforts, and the Northeast Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association was formed.  The board covers the an area including New England, New York, New Jersey Pennsylvania, Maryland, with the goal of spreading awareness and advancing gaelic sports in colleges in the region.

The tournament is the first of it’s kind in the area and the inaugural trophy will be awarded to the winners.  It is a huge first step towards the development of games in colleges in the northeastern region.  “We are really looking forward to hosting our first ever tournament,” says Simon Gillespie, Chairman of the Northeast Collegiate Board.  The tournament is a block to build upon, and the goal being that eventually the clubs themselves will be in a position to administer the games and competitions.  Many of the players involved have come through the youth ranks in their respective areas.  Over the years a gap to be bridged was that from minor to adult level.  It is a gap made all the more difficult because most of the players who come through underage ranks do not have the opportunity to continue to play when in college.  Growing gaelic games in third level educational institutions will go a long way to bridging that gap, though there is a learning curve involved as Simon points out.  “The success of the day will be based on whether the Colleges teams themselves are a success.  Most of these teams have players who have grown up with clubs and a community but now these players must not only play the game, but also learn to set up, administer, and coordinate their teams without influence from parents or coaches.  That is also an important learning curve for the players. The work put in by these kids will hopefully pay off and we can use this day as a starting point for Colleges GAA in the North East” pointed out Simon.

There will be local television present to cover the events of the day, a big boost for the fledgling teams and organizational setup. According to Simon, “The news today from Hartford is that Fox News may also be present on the day to find out more about Gaelic Games in the Colleges.  This will expose our organization, a relatively small Irish American Community, to a possible audience of thousands of people in the local area.  It really bodes well.  Thanks to the Hartford GAA for seeing the possibility of involving National Media sources.”

November 9th in Glastonbury, CT will hopefully mark the start of a transformation of Gaelic Games in the Northeast and the United States as a whole.  The Northeast also will have the opportunity for further exposure since the 2014 National Collegiate GAA Finals will be hosted in the Northeast, with college teams from all over the country traveling to take part.  As Simon emphasized, “We really need this day to be a success if Collegiate GAA is going to be a success on the East Coast of the US and we are going to make a success of the NCGAA Finals Memorial Day next year.”  Simon thanked the people in Hartford for their willingness to open their doors, “I would really like to thank the Irish American Home Society for the use of their facilities as well as the Hartford GAA club who have always shown they to be willing to host any tournament that promotes Gaelic Games.”  

Maybe one day we will look back at November 9, 2013 as the day it all began.

By Rory O’Donnell