As the Irish squad prepares for today's crucial encounter at the European U-20 Lacrosse Championship a young man with powerful Mayo heritage is a central figure.
Ian Galvin, from Cape Cod in Massachusetts has already helped Ireland to solid wins over Germany and Switzerland and are hoping to continue that good run with another victory over Latvia, today (Tuesday) in Wroclaw, Poland. Germany were put to the sword, 8-3 on Friday before Switzerland were defeated 14-1 the following day.
Ian is excited about Ireland's prospects and believes the young men in green can make a big impression at the prestigious tournament. He began his lacrosse journey at the age of seven and is extremely proud to now be wearing the green of Ireland. “I'm really excited. You know, playing for a country where your parents come from along with the majority of the rest of your family. So, it's really cool and it means more to me every time I put on the Irish jersey,” he explained following Saturday's win over Switzerland.
Ian's father, Jarlath, is a Ballina man, well known for his athletic exploits, and his mother, Natalie, is a native of Dublin, so the pride of Ireland is embedded in the very core of his being. Today's big game in Wroclaw comes after Ian has finished high school in America and is playing for his local team in Cape Cod, the Redhawks.
The dream of playing for Ireland runs deep in the Galvins and Ian's older brother Jack has already played underage and senior for the Irish lacrosse team. They can thank their mother and her place of employment for their elevation to the green machine.
“My mother worked in Boston. She heard about the Ireland Lacrosse team one day through a co-worker and obviously my brother has now also played for Ireland at underage and senior level, so I tried out for the team in America and then there were two try-outs in Limerick. So, I made the team and now I am really excited to wear the green Jersey in Poland and see what it's all about,” Ian continued.
The man with powerful Ballina roots has big dreams and is already looking towards the future. Once this tournament is over in Poland, he's hoping to catch the eye of the senior management. The new Olympic cycle isn't far away and the Galvins are hoping to feature in the Irish senior squad together.
“It could be a great honour to wear the green jersey alongside my brother at any major event but doing it at the Olympics would be extra special,” he added.
However, Galvin, the younger, has business to do this week and he's determined to drive Ireland as high as possible in the European Championships. Playing for Ireland is a proud and precious thing.
https://www.mayonews.ie/news/other-sport/1563126/from-ballina-to-poland-via-cape-cod.html
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