August 13 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 3-15 Wexford 2-9

Tipperary pulled off somewhat of a surprise victory over Wexford on Saturday. Tipp limited Wexford to just two points in the first half of the game, and tallied a goal and nine points in their row of the scoreboard. Tipp wing forward, Emmet Kent, himself a Wexford U-21 player, tore into the Wexford defence and Tipp ran away nine point winners in the end.

Paddy Fanning for Tipp.

Wexford did themselves no favours in the first half by hitting many shots well wide of the mark. The first score for the Slaneymen did not come until the game was 18 minutes old. At one stage Tony Murphy had a great chance at a goal, but Sean Delaney pulled off a fine save. Tipp opened the game with a goal from Paul McGrath. Walter Walsh bulled into the penalty area and after a deflection the ball popped to the waiting McGrath who finished in style. Tipp were keeping things ticking over with points from Kent, Brian Hartnett, and Mark Flaherty. Cathal Kenny got the Wexford men’s first score of the game, but unfortunately for Wexford it did not kick start the machine. Kent put two frees over the bar, and after a rare accurate shot from Andrew Shore for Wexford, Tipp finished the half with four points on the trot.

Stephen White on the attack for Wexford.

Wexford opened the second half strongly. After hitting two points Shore buried a 21-yard free in the back of the net and Wexford had reason to be optimistic. It did not pan out for the Brighton men however. From the puckout Eoin Hayes made a dashing run and when in range let fly. Griffey got the bas to the ball but could only deflect it into the net. After three more Tipp scores Wexford staged a last gasp effort at coming back and strung four points together. That only brought them within seven points with time left on the clock. Tipp put the issue to rest however with a third goal from Lambert. All that was left was for Kenny to put a late consolation goal away for Wexford. The result puts Tipp and Wexford on level points at the top of the table. A draw will be made to decide who advances to the final and who must contest what will likely be a tough semi-final with either Galway or Fr. Tom Burke’s.

Tipp: S. Delaney, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Kindregan, A. McRedmond, C. Leahy, B. Howley, E. Hayes (1-0), P. Fanning, E. Kent (0-10), W. Walsh, P. McGrath (1-0), M. Flaherty (0-2), B. Hartnett (0-1). Subs: S. Lambert (1-0), Dara O’Connell (0-1). Wexford: G. Griffey, G. Dunphy, G. Callnan, S. White, J. Lyng, B. Dalton, M. Molloy, G. O’Connor, B. Dowling (0-2), A. Shore (1-3), J. Hetherton, T. Murphy, C. Kenny (1-1). Sub: G. Molloy (0-1), S. Corcoran (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Schedule and Junior Football Tables Aug 12

There have been some changes to this weekend's schedule due to the anticipated rain that is due late on Sunday. There are 2 senior football quarter finals Sunday.  The first is between Donegal and Galway.  Galway have bounced back from a tough start to the season to finish in the top 6 and now have an excellent chance to progress to the semi-finals the following weekend.  This would be the first time a Galway football team has made the Senior Football semis in over 20 years.  Donegal have been inconsistent thus far and have had a tough season given their success over the last decade.  Driven by their midfield and fast forward line, Galway are my favourite to win.  The other quarter final features Christopher's and Wolfe Tones.  This is a tough call.  At full strength Christopher's are capable of beating anybody, and they will most likely be at full strength on Sunday.  The Tones can turn it on when they put their minds to it, but have not always rasied their game.  I see a close game that could go either way.

There are 2 senior hurling games to complete the season.  Saturday Wexford play Tipperary.  Tipp defeated Tom's easily to go joint second in the table, while Wexford are still top.  I see Wexford locking down their top placing and bye into the final as the Brighton based team has impressive depth and talent.  Tom's and Galway meet Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a real humdinger.  Galway have to win to force a playoff with either Tom's or Tipp, and a Tom's win guarantees that Galway's season will be over.  Hard to call but I am going with Galway to win and force a mid-week playoff for the semi-final spot.

Of course there is the Intermediate Final also on Sunday between Shannon Blues and Mayo.  Mayo have done well this year, while the Blues will be disappointed not to have made the playoffs.  Given Mayo's momentum I will not be surprised to see the westerners get something out of a season that has seen them rebound from several years at the lower end.

On the junior front Donegal and Wolfe Tones have their semi-final places booked, while the Gaels will be hoping that McAnespies will beat the Blues and force a chance for a playoff game against those Blues provided that the Gaels take care of business against the New Englans Celtics.  A possible midweek fixture to schedule there as well.  Junior B sees the big game between Donegal and Armagh-Notre Dame with the winners likely to join Mcanespies, Mayo, and Galway in the semi-final round.


Boston GAA Schedule


Saturday August 13


Field A

3:00 Junior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke’s

5:30 Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary


Field B

4:15 Junior A Football: Aidan McAnespies v Shannon Blues

5:30 Junior B Football: Donegal v Armagh-Notre Dame

Sunday August 14


Field A

12:30 Senior Football Quarter Final: Donegal v Galway

2:00 Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke’s v Galway

3:30 Senior Football Quarter Final: Wolfe Tones v Christopher’s


Field B


12:00 Junior A Football: Connemara Gaels v New England Celtics

1:15 Intermediate Football Final: Mayo v Shannon Blues
3:00 Junior B Football:  Hartford v Galway

CYC a Rousing Success

By Rory O'Donnell

The 2011 CYC, the largest to date in the brief seven-year history of the competition, was a huge success. A massive amount of work went into preparing the venue. Volunteers worked weekends, nights, and, in some cases, days to ensure that the venue was looking the part. The ICC looked excellent from the fresh mulch in the parking lots to the roped of fields that were meticulously lined, and the goalposts that received fresh coats of paint. The flags of all 32 counties of Ireland fluttered in the breeze behind the goal at the clubhouse end, which was a nice backdrop to the events on the main field. Dressing rooms were set up for each field and along with the water stations in place, volunteers had their assignments, and everything was set to go. With more than 80 games to play on each of the 4 days it was impressive how the event went like clockwork. There were no delays or backups with the schedule. Games began on time with the next group of kids ready to go for the following game as everyone participating starting with parents, teams, referees, and field officials adhered to the hectic schedule.

Underage teams from all over North America competed over 4 days. Thousands of kids from Under 6 to Under 18 participated in what is the largest gaelic games event of it’s kind outside of Ireland. A significant development was the prominence of hurling and camogie during the weekend. Both sports were played at all age groups and the kids enthusiastically took up the sticks. Many of the kids displayed a high skill level in the ancient code. San Francisco in particular shone in the hurling competitions.

The big game of the weekend was the county minor football final, which was played on Friday between New York and Lancashire from England. The North American minors narrowly missed out on making the final. Lancashire prevailed in a very exciting one-point victory over New York, 2-8 to 0-13 to scenes of jubilation from the lads who traveled across the water to be there. New York teams traveled in force. The NY Celtics, St. Barnabas, Rockland, NY Rangers, and Shannon Rangers fielded teams at all age levels. Indeed there was tremendous atmosphere at all age levels with parents and relatives cheering on their children’s teams with the gusto of All-Ireland fare.

On the local front there were many of the new clubs from the Northeast involved. Trinity Milton, Na Fianna from Brighton/Allston, Wayland, Acton, Hartford, John Boyle O’ Reilly’s from Springfield, and St. Brendan’s Dorchester entered teams along with the well established Irish Sports Youth League, themselves based in Canton. There were three days of glorious sunshine and on the finals day the rains came down, but did not dampen the spirits of the players and parents involved. My own kids are outside all day long now hitting balls with the hurleys and practicing their Gaelic Football skills! There were winners and losers on the field but at the end of the day the biggest winners were Gaelic sports. With so many youngsters coming away with a love for the games of Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie the future looks very bright indeed.

A skilled youngster with the Boston U8s.



Trinity Milton's Declan Walsh U8.



This U14 from San Fran can play the old code.

The youngsters of Trinity Milton Youth GFC.

The ISYL Boston girls versus Rockland NY.



The ISYL Boston U8 Hurlers.




Sunday July 31 - Junior A Football: Wolfe Tones v Donegal

Wolfe Tones 0-10 Donegal 0-12


Donegal came out on top in this top of the table Junior A Football clash. There was very little between the teams, however, as the second half wore on Donegal managed to separate themselves and came away with a two point win.

Declan Kinahan rises for the ball.

It was all square by the time the first half was over with very little separating the teams. The Tones opened with two points on the trot from Mick Sammon and John O’Keefe. Dean Matthews brought Donegal level with two points and it was back and forth for the rest of the half with the teams swapping scores. Donegal center back Derek Nolan did well, and at one point stole forward to put one over the bar. Possession broke even around the middle of the field and each team tallied good scores. Mick Sammon showed some of the old form with a fine point from out on the wing and later in the half Marty McGeough did likewise. For Donegal’s part John Eagan and Matthews each tallied great points.

Donegal opened the second half with a flurry of points coming from Lee Carr and Dean Matthews. It did not take long for the Tones to answer. Declan Kinahan and McGeough pulled their side within a point. The Tones almost had a goal. A Mick Sammon ’45 dropped into the small box and Dara Bonfil tried to force the ball over the line, but Donegal’s defence did well to keep it out. Donegal took over as we entered the final 15 minutes. The northerners moved the ball well through John Eagan, Jonathan Byrne, and Matthews up front. The Tones popped over a couple of points from Maguire and Sammon, but the Donegal defence held as the Tones launched a last gasp attack. These two teams could well in up meeting again before the season ends.

Tones: K. McParland, A. Higgins, C. O’Callaghan, C. Malone, P. Collins, A. Rooney, D. O’Keefe, D. Kinahan, M. McGeough, G. Molloy, D. Maguire, S. O’Brien, M. Sammon. Donegal: C. McLoughlin, K. McGee, B. Friel, P. McLoughlin, D. Nolan, D. Green, J. Byrne, R. Ivers, E. McCarney, E. Ward, J. Eagan, L. Carr, D. Matthews.


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 31 - Senior Football: Mayo v Christopher's

Christopher’s 4-12 Mayo 1-9


There was a lot at stake for Christopher’s and Mayo in the first senior football game of the day. The winners would have a good chance to be in, and the losers more or less out of the senior championship playoff picture. As it turned out Christopher’s put the game away with a decisive first half performance. Mayo came storming back in the second and went a long way to restoring some pride, but it was a case of too little too late as they had given themselves too much to do.

Mayo's Lewis Cawley and Christopher's Noel Ryan tussle.

Mayo began the game brightly with Peter O’Hanlon very much involved in the good things going on for the boys from the west. Lewis Cawley and Aidan Walsh put Mayo ahead with first two points of the game. Once Christopher’s got into the game however it was all over for the Mayomen. Pat Delaney pointed for Christopher’s five minutes into the game and Colm O’Driscoll leveled the scores. Christopher’s began to get into gear and some slick passing out of the back line led to a deluge of scores. Aidan Walsh, who was playing in midfield for Christopher’s, pointed twice, Eric Hegarty put a free over the bar, and Kevin O’Driscoll also opened up the gap between the teams. Shane Beston sneaked the ball into the corner of the net and it looked curtains for Mayo. Two more goals followed from Colm O’Driscoll and Eric Hegarty. Mayo continued to work to generate chances and did but the kicking was poor and the westerners clocked up more wides than they would want to. Mayo’s Aidan Walsh ended up tallying Mayo’s third score before half time. The sides took the break with the game looking like it was more or less in the bag for Christopher’s who led by 4-9 to 0-3..

Mayo's Peter O'Hanlon picks up as Eoin O'Neill closes in.

Mayo lined out to start the second half with Jack McDonnell at corner forward, and what a turnaround from the first half it was. Mayo opened the half with six points on the trot as Christopher’s sauntered through the early stages after the restart. Aidan Walsh got things going for Mayo with a point and McDonnell then pointed three times on the trot as things opened up for the Mayo forward line. Gerve Toner almost brought Mayo back into the game in a big way as he stole in behind the defence and was found with a lovely ball from Danny Kirby. Toner had the keeper to beat, but his shot came back off the crossbar. A let off to be sure for Christopher’s as a goal for Mayo at that stage would have put them right back in the picture. Christopher’s got themselves back into their first half rhythm with and but for two tremendous saves from Alex Townsend could have added more to the goals column. Points did come from Kevin O’Droiscoll, Hegarty, and Paudie Kenneally. At the other end Stephen Kelly made a couple of good saves but Mayo finally made the breakthrough with a goal at the very end to salvage some pride. Intermediate final for Mayo, a date with the Wolfe Tones for Christopher’s two weeks from now.

Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, S. McNally, P. Kenneally (0-1), E. O’Neill, R. Holmes, A. Walsh (0-2), K. O’Driscoll (0-1), J. Kenneally, C. O’Driscoll (1-2), P. Delaney (0-1), S. Beston (1-3), E. Hegarty (2-2). Mayo: A. Townsend, S. Clifford, B. McShea, B. Cassidy, K. Comer, M. Carlon, D. Kirby, P. O’Hanlon, G. Toner, A. Walsh (0-3), P. O’Donoghue, D. McLoughlin (0-1), L. Cawley (0-1). Sub: J. McDonnell (0-4), P. Dooney (1-0).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 31 - Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 3-14 Shannon Blues 1-14


Aidan McAnespies finished the season with sixteen points from their eight games. Shannon Blues needed to pull off an upset in order to get into the playoffs, and while they made a good fist of things McAnespies proved to be a bit too much to handle for the Blues in the second half. Colm McCrory tallied a hat trick as McAnespies finish the regular season with a perfect record.

Paul O'Donoghue looks to get around Steven Mann.

The first half was a tight affair as the Blues came out of their corner swinging. Featuring two American Born players in their starting 13, Conor Fitzgerald and Pat Murray, the Blues played tight at that back and Kieran Hurley was very much on form in the full forward line. Hurley got the Blues on the board with the first point of the game and quickly followed with a second. Plunkett Kane was the first of the McAnespies forwards to tally a score, and Colm McCrory leveled things. After Gary O’Neill put McAnespies ahead by a point, Colm McCrory then scored a fantastic goal with a great run through the Blues defence and finished low. The Blues stuck with it however and played some good football to keep themselves in contention. Mike Lyons worked hard at center forward and Hurley put some well taken frees over the bar. At the half McAnespies held a two point lead, 1-5 to 0-7.

The Blues Ciaran Murphy looks for a teammate.

The second half was not so close. McAnespies took over and put the game away. The table toppers opened with four points before the Blues responded. Philip Toner, Kane, and McCrory widened the distance between the teams as McAnespies switched into a higher gear. Hurley stemmed the tide with two points, one a fantastic effort, to make it a one-goal game. McAnespies found the back of the net a second time, however. McCrory was the finisher and was set up by O’Donoghue who had stole behind his man. McAnespies followed with three points and the outcome of the game was in little doubt by then. The Blues managed a few more scores before the end of the game but really needed a goal, and what chances they did generate were well saved by Ryan McCrystal. McCrory scored his third goal for the hat trick as the clock wound down. The Blues won a penalty at the very end for a foot block. Shane Cahill put the kick neatly into the corner to make the scoreboard look respectable. The Intermediate Final for the Blues while McAnespies wait to see who they will meet in the semi-final.


Blues: G. Kissane, S. Kelly, S. Mann, C. Fitzgerald, C. Murphy, C. Mullen, P. Murray, B. Shanahan, S. Sinnott (0-1), M. Lyons (0-1), K. Shea (0-1), S. Cahill (0-1), K. Hurley (0-9). Sub: S. Carroll (0-1). McAnespies: R. McCrystal, N. Gallen, R. McCloskey, M. Bogue, N. Kerr, H. Gill, G. O’Neill (0-2), R. Bracken, S. Hughes, P. Toner (0-3), P. Kane (0-3), C. McCrory (3-3), P. O’Donoghue (0-3).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 31 - Senior Football: Kerry v Wolfe Tones

Wolfe Tones 1-12 Kerry 2-9

The Tones' Luke Kavanagh shakes off a tackle.

Kerry were playing for a chance at the Intermediate Final, while the Tones were looking to secure third place in the table. Kerry pulled off an unlikely draw, though truth be told Kerry were their own worst enemies as Stephen O’Brien missed a golden opportunity for a goal, and with 5 minutes to go Mark Griffin lost the head for a moment and was shown a red card. Kerry played the end of the game a man down and almost turned the tables on the Tones.

The Tones played the better football in the first half, which featured a beautifully worked goal. John Fogerty split the Kerry defence with a fantastic ball to James Doyle, who found Dan McCabe coming in with just the ball to tap into the net. The goal gave the Tones some separation from their opponents. It was four points to two for the Tones when the goal scored. Doyle, Farrell, and McCabe accounted for points while for Kerry it was Eanna O’Connor pointing all of Kerry’s first half scores with one exception. O’Brien won a penalty after being bundled over in the box, and put the ball away himself to keep Kerry in touch. The teams traded scores to end the half at 1-4 to 1-7 in favour of the Tones.

Kerry's Mark Griffin launches a counter attack.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the Tones looking to hold a comfortable edge. Dan McCabe extended the lead, followed by Marty Farrell and at that point one had the feeling that the Tones would cruise to the win. Kerry stayed in touch through Eanna O’Connor’s frees. With the Tones not looking too interested in slamming the door shut on their opponents Kerry crept within two points. Kerry then had a golden chance to take the lead. The ever alert O’Brien stole in behind his man after gathering a ball over the top and tried to slide the ball into the corner of the net, but the ball rolled wide. With time running out on Kerry, but still only a goal behind Mark Griffin gave the referee no choice but to show the red card after kicking an opponent following a challenge for the ball. Marty Farrell put the Tones ahead by three points, but Kerry struck with a goal out of the blue. Ian Galvin finished a move as O’Brien drove through the penalty box and the ball squirted to the lively corner forward. With the sides level and minutes left Dan McCabe looked to have won the game for the Tones with an excellently taken point. But it was O’Brien for Kerry who had the final say with an equally well taken point. The draw, the fourth for the Tones this season, was enough to see them finish in third and they will play Christopher’s in the quarter final two weeks time. For Kerry it was not enough to continue their season.

Tones: B. Murray, K. Regan, E. Murray, E. Naughton, D. Maguire (0-1), M. O’Brien, L. Kavanagh, G. Brilly, S. Kelly (0-2), M. Farrell (0-4), J. Fogerty, D. McCabe (1-3), J. Doyle (0-2). Kerry: T. Fitzgerald, M. Griffin, D. O’Sullivan, M. Godley, T. Dennehy, M. Fallon, G. Cummings, P. Curry, P. Doyle, E. O’Connor (0-8), C. McGillicuddy, F. Keenan, S. O’Brien (1-1). Sub: I. Galvin (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 31 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Wexford

Galway 2-17 Wexford 0-20


Galway finally broke their 2011 duck and won their first game in sensational fashion. It was a tense, exciting game as the ball moved quickly up and down the field and the lead changed hands on several occasions. Galway looked in danger of continuing their winless streak with less then 10 minutes to go as Wexford looked to be in the familiar position of controlling the game, but the tribesmen battled hard and a goal with seven minutes to go provided the drive to continue on and win the game.

Fintan O'Leary breaks away for Galway.

Galway opened the game in similar style to their last outing, with a goal in the first sequence of play from Stephen Brown who lined out at corner forward. Wexford began to play well, with Brian Dalton in flying form on the wing and Stephen White solid at center back. Tom Moloney, Dowling, and Andrew Shore quickly canceled out Galway’s goal with some well taken points. Wexford continued to enjoy the upper hand and Galway searched for answers. Some substitutions made early in the game appeared to change Galway’s fortunes for the better. Keith Killilea and Darragh Murray entered the fray in midfield and on the half forward line. Galway’s forwards began to find their range. Eoin Guinan, John Moylan, and Killilea got Galway back into the game and at the break the tribesmen led by a point, 1-8 to 0-10.

John Moylan in possession as Keith Killilea looks on.

The second half was a tremendously exciting affair with no more than a score between the sides at any stage. After Eoin Guinan put Galway two points up, Wexford drew level through the ever dangerous Dowling and Shore. The sides traded points and then the lead changed hands with two booming Andrew Shore points from half way line. Cathal Kenny followed with a point and Wexford looked like they might have won control of the game and pull away. Galway were desperate for the win and kept pushing on the door and eventually it opened. Fintan O’Leary pointed and with about seven minutes left, Killilea got on the end of a long Killian Murphy clearance to blast the ball past Ger Griffey in the Wexford goal and Galway were on top by a point. Galway were not out of the woods as there were still seven minutes to go, but the westerners followed with two points to lead by a goal. Each point that went over the bar in Galway’s favour was greeted with the loud cheers of the many Galway supporters who appeared to be in the majority. Wexford tried to regain the initiative, but Galway’s tails were up and by that stage Wexford could not match their intensity. Scenes of joy from Galway at the end to to finally win a game. The win puts Galway and Tipperary on level footing in the table, though Tipp have two more games to play to one for Galway.

Galway: D. Kilmartin, M. Malone, K. Murphy, C. Woods, A. Brennan, E. O’Mahoney, N. McCree, S. Lennane, P. Guinan, F. O’Leary (0-4), E. Guinan (0-8), J. Moylan (0-3), S. Brown (1-1). Sub: K. Killilea (1-1) Wexford: G. Griffey, D. Redmond, J. Lyng, B. Dalton (0-1), S. White (0-2), G. Callnan, M. Molloy (0-1), T. Moloney (0-1), B. Dowling (0-4), A. Shore (0-5), G. O’Connor, T. Murphy, C. Kenny (0-5). Sub: J. Hetherton (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell