Galway Cup Day 1 Review

 Group A 2011 Boys 

Maree Oranmore Fc 0

Longford 4

The side from the northeast had a comfortable victory against one of the local Galway sides. 

Longford showed no signs of early morning fatigue as they took control of the early morning game from the start with two early goals from Cian Lawlor and Patrick Wallace. In the second half Fionn McCormack took control firing in a double to give his side a well-deserved victory in this first round tie.

Group A 2011 Boys

Roscommon Lions 6

Clare Blue 1

The Rossie Lions produced a fine team performance to beat one of the Clare sides by five goals in the 9 o’ clock kick off.

From the start it was the Rossies that took control resulting in an early own goal. From then on, they had five different goal scorers as they produced some excellent football along with some clinical finishes.  The first strike came from Kevin Chiforiuc before his teammates Tyler Gibbons, Scott Dowd, Eli Kilmartin, and Ritchie Conway. Clare fired in a consolation goal when Gavin Jones opened his account.

Group B 2011 Boys 

Wicklow 3 

Roscommon 1

In the first morning game on pitch 3 it was a great start for the team from the east coast.

They flew out of the blocks gaining possession early on and making inroads into the opposition defense at will. Eventually this possession resulted in Rian abell Ward opening the scoring in the tie.  Wicklow kept control until the break. After the interval they broke through for a second goal as Tyler McElvaney fouled his side's advantage. The southeast side finished their scoring when Ward netted his second of the game. With the final whistle drawing closer Clare added a consolation strike as Wiktor Dabrowskieffort flew into the net.

Group B 2011 Boys 

Wilton United 0

Salthill Devon Fc 6

The home side produced a clinical display to beat the north Cork side.

From the outset the home side looked like they could score at will, netting a number of goals early in the game. Devon O'Neil opened his account for the tournament with a double before his teammate Rian Clery did the same as the home side took advantage of their dominance.

With the game fizzling out two more goals were added to the tally with Hugh Flynn and finally Nazar Semkiv finished the scoring in this early morning fixture.

Group A 2010 Girls 

Salthill Devon Fc Girls 1

Galway Select Girls 3

In the first Galway tie of the tournament, it was the selected side that got the better of the home side.

The home side took an early lead in this morning's game with an Ana Conway goal. This early shock kicked the opposition into gear as they wrestled back the momentum. This led to a quick-fire double from Niamh McGauran to give her side the lead. Her teammate Katie Quirke ensured victory with a final goal of the game.

Group A 2010 Girls 

Roscommon Girls 0

Sligo Leitrim Girls 3

In one of the first local derbies of the tournament it was the north Connacht side that came out on top in this battle.

Striker AVA HANNILAN smashed two early goals for the north Connacht side as they took complete control of this opening game in the group. After the break both sides started to create chances and eventually the third goal of the game rattled the back of the net with Hope O’ Brien making sure that her side came away with all three points.

Group A 2010 Girls 

Longford Girls 1

Galway FA Girls 4

It was a three-goal victory for Galway’s U12 girls’ team against their northeast tournament. 

2008 Premier Group B 

Pike Rovers 0

Donegal Schoolboys league 4

The side from the north produced some fine team goals to win easily against their Limerick counterparts.

The northern side showed maturity beyond their years as they controlled this tie from the outset. Within a few minutes they had taken the lead, Brian McFadden. As the first half went on, they extended their advantage to three by halftime. The first was a well taken effort from Oisin Feeney before Osin Ebbs got on the end of a fantastic flowing move as the ref blew the half time whistle. It was complete cruise control from Donegal in the second half and they finished the scoring when Tadgh o Baoill opened his tally for the tournament. 

Group B 2008 Premier 

Clare 1

Mervue United 2

This local derby was a tight tense affair from the start with Mervue just coming out on top in a three-goal thriller.

 After a cagy opening couple of minutes of play it was Clare that started to gain a stranglehold in the middle of the park. As they started to create chances, they finally managed to break the deadlock when winger Alex Guilfoyle found the back of the net.

This early goal kicked the opposition into gear and leveled the tie as history was made when Kian Kirrane the Mervue goalie scored directly from his own box. This turned the tide and Mervue took the lead with a great finish from Michael Bradbury to ensure victory.

Group A 2008 Premier 

Glenavon Fc Academy 9

Wicklow DSGL 0

It was the Jake McConville show as he netted five times against Wicklow.

From the start of this tie, it was clear that Glenavon were here to play. Within minutes they had taken the lead through Jake McConville by half time. Glenavon had gone four goals up as they were in complete control.

The second half was much the same as Glenavon broke away a couple of more times ensuring Victory for the northern side. 

Goal scorers (Jake McConville x5), Charlie Gault (x2), Ben Wilson, Billy Neely

Group A 2008 Premier 

Crusaders Fc 2

Murroe AFC 0

It was the side from Belfast who came out on top in this north vs south battle.

After a tense opening few minutes, Crusaders started to gain control of the ball in the middle third. This eventually led to their first goal of the game when striker Michael Temetan found the back of the net. Up until the break they kept the pressure on but couldn't find that elusive second goal. After the break Murroe battled their way back into the tie but the opposition finished the game off with their second goal from Charlie Magge

Group B 2010 Club

Salthill Devon Fc 1

Killarney Athletic 0

One goal was the difference in this game as the home side made home advantage count.

Both defenses were standing strong for a lot of this game with the goalies making some outstanding saves from the off. As the half drew to a close one could see that there would be nothing between the sides at the end of the tie.

Eventually the home side broke through to finish through Jaeson So.

They held out in the end for a hard fought one goal win. 

Group A 2008 Premier 

Midlands Schoolboy League 5

Maree Oranmore Fc 0

The side made up from players for the midlands got the better of their Galway opponents with Diarmuid O’ Higgins netting a double.

From the beginning one could see that the midlands side were here to play as they controlled the ball in the middle while spraying it out to the flanks. Eventually they opened the scoring with a Diarmuid O’ Higgins effort before the same player doubled the lead moments later.

After they break, they kept the pressure on firing in three more goals with Ciarán Cummins, Dylan Dennehy and William Geraghty ensuring they started the tournament with a victory.

Group B 2010 Club

Limerick County 0

Greenisland F.c 4

The second Limerick vs north battle of the day went to the side of Antrim.

It was Greenisland that took control of the opening group’s game early on with a double from striker Luke Hill who looked dangerous any time the ball was fed up with him. After this early flurry the game fell into a middle third battle with both sides having periods of dominance.

Eventually the northern side took complete control with their third goal from the boot of Matthew Hair. The final goal in this was a well finished effort of the boot of Oliver McBurney

Group A 2010 Club

Cavan Monaghan 6

Clare 1

After taking the lead early the Munster side romped home to a five-goal victory.

Cavan/ Monaghan took the lead early in the first half when striker Brendan McCarney found himself in space before finishing past the goalie. After this early advantage Clare took control as Ned O’ Reilly slotted home twice to give his side the lead as momentum shifted in the contest. A third strike from Daithi Linnane saw Clare take full control at this stage. With the final whistle getting closer Clare added three more efforts, first off, a strike from Mark Regan along with efforts from Liam Hogan and Kayden Moloney.

Group A 2010 elite 

Dundalk SL 1

Clare 0

The northeastern side came out on top by a solitary goal in this east vs west tie in the opening round.

Anyone in attendance could see that there wouldn't be much between these sides as both battled to gain a foothold. As the tie went on both sides carved out chances but couldn't find that divisive effort. This was until substitute Conall Whyte strike flew into the net to give his side a victory by the narrowest of margins.

Group B 2010 Elite 

Limerick County 2

Wicklow 3

The southeast side got the better of the Limerick Countryside in a five-goal thriller in the late afternoon kick off.

The Wicklow side got off to a fantastic start when David McCormac latched on to a through ball before finishing into the opposition net. Wicklow controlled the tie until the interval but couldn't make it, leaving a goal between the sides at the break. 

The second half was much more entertaining as Limerick leveled the tie within minutes when JACK ALLEN finished from a corner. Moments later substitute Cian Murphy broke through and won a penalty which he converted on the second attempt. The southeast side bagged their third goal of the tie off the boot of Rhys Behan. As the game drew to a conclusion Limerick narrowed the gap as OISIN PEARL netted, Wicklow held out for a deserved one goal victory. 

Group A 2009 Elite 

FAI National 2010 Academy 1 

Leeds United F.c 1

After an early goal from the Irish side Leeds battled back to earn a draw in this highly anticipated clash.

In what was a tight tense affair from the opening whistle with Leeds controlling the ball from the outset. It was the opposition who broke away against the run of play with Calvin O'Sullivan drilling an effort into the net. This early setback did not affect Leeds as they pressed forward at every opportunity, equalizing when Harry Garthwaite found himself in the perfect position to finish the tie. This ensured that this group was still going to be in a battle.

Group B 2010 Elite 

Longford 1

Limerick Desmond 4

This battle of two sides that know each other well saw the west Limerick win comfortably by three goals. 

It was the northwestern side who took control of this group game when Ryan Kenny bruised the ball into the opposition net. Within minutes the tie was level through Michael O’ Kelly. The momentum in this tie had clearly turned in the Limerick side’s favor and they made sure of the victory with three more well taken goals. The first came from midfielder Yuri Sascha, before Conor O’ Dwyer and Leon O’ Connor made sure of the three points.

Group A 2011 Boys 

Finn Harps Academy 4

Maree Oranmore Fc 2

A Josh O’ Donell hat trick was enough to see the Finn harps academy side overcome another Galway side in Oranmore Maree.

The academy side took advantage early in this group game as Ethan Buchanan opened the scoring. It was then the turn of striker Josh O’ Donnell to take center stage firing in a hat trick as Finn Harps found a purple patch in this game. 

As the tie was drawing to a close a quick-fire double from Caolan Toland and Ronan Keating left to goals between the sides at the full-time whistle.

Group A 2010 Girls 

Sligo Leitrim Girls 3

Salthill Devon FC 0 

It was the AVA HANNILAN show in this all-Connacht tie with the girls wearing red coming out on top against the home side.

An early goal came from Hope O’ Brien to give the north Connacht side an early   lead. After this early strike it was clear that Sligo Leitrim.

With this dominance the side in red were creating chances with two of them being expertly converted by the aforementioned AVA HANNILAN. This ensured that Sligo Leitrim looked like the team to beat in this group.

 

Group A 2009 Elite 

Glenavon Fc Academy 3

Sligo Rovers FC 2

Glenavon got out of jail by all accounts in this tie in the super elite section. 

Sligo looked like they were in complete control in the first half only going in a goal up at the break with a Jack McGowan strike. This one goal lead wasn't enough as Sligo had dominated from the opening whistle. 

Within minutes of the restart Glenavon leveled the tie with a penalty converted by Sam Green. This game was more end to end with Sligo taking the lead twice through Patrick Nolan and McGowan again. The opposition responded with Harry Gough and Michael Emerson. This meant that both sides went home from day 1 with a share of the spoils.

Group b 2011 Boys 

Clare Yellow 1

Salthill Devon Fc 5

After an early goal from Munster, the home side ensured a second victory with a four-goal victory.

Clare had a fantastic start to this tie when Eric Bejunariu opened the scoring. Almost immediately the tie was level when the home side took control with two players netting doubles. The first coming from Keelan Keady before Rian Clery put the advantage out to three goals. The final goal of the game was from the home side as Shay Cox made sure of victory.

Group A 2008 Premier 

Salthill Devon Fc 1

Midlands Schoolboy League 3

It wasn't to be for the home team in the evening kick off as they were beaten by two goals by their Midland’s counterparts.

They did manage to take an early lead as Jean (m) Harlamovs found the back of the net early in the tie. As the game went on, Midlands gained control back and had gone ahead with goals from Sean Whittaker and Leon Nolan Henderson, With the tie still in the balance it was Tyreece Quinn who stepped up and made sure of the win for his side.

Group B Premier 2008

Dundalk SL 2

Donegal Schoolboys league 1

This evening's battle was well worth attending in Drum as both sides created chances but eventually Dundalk came out on top. 

They raced into a two-goal lead with some clinical finishing from Mylka Kaloso and Kyle Callan. A second half response from Kyle Bonner. This wasn't enough as Dundalk held out for victory in this evening's kick off.

Group A 2010 Girls 

Roscommon Girls 0

Longford Girls 2

A double from Leah Waters gave Longford a victory in this group game.

From the outset Longford’s midfield battled early control of this tie with Waters up top causing damage any time she got near the ball. Eventually she broke the deadlock with a well-controlled strike. After taking the lead the Rossie girls battled back into the tie but couldn't muster all important equalizers. Eventually the aforementioned Waters doubled her side's tally to guarantee victory at the end of this opening day of games.

Group a 2010 Girls 

Galway Select Girls 4

Galway FA Girls 1

The final Galway derby of the day saw the Select side coming out on top by three goals.

An early strike from Keela Donnelly Meehan saw the Select side take an early lead. From then until the break, they kept the pressure on the opposition goal and eventually broke the barrier with a second from Chelsey Akanni. The second half was much the same, this led to a double from Katie Quirke to finish the scoring for the Select side. The FA side managed to nab a consolation effort through Tilly Caroll to ensure they didn't go home completely empty handed.

Group A 2010 Club 

Murroe AFC 2

Cavan Monaghan 1

An early double saw the Limerick side gain victory in one of the final games of the day in Drum.

Murroe gained an early advantage in this final game as they battled well around the middle third. Eventually this battle paid off when SONNY RYAN drove through the opposition defense to finish expertly. The lead was doubled as JAMES LONG found himself in the right place to finish well. The final goal of the game came from the opposition with Luke McEnroe ensuring a nervy final few minutes. Unfortunately, they could not find that equalizing goal meaning Murroe held out for victory. 

Group A 2010 Club 

Crusaders Fc 1

Clare 1

One of the final games of day 1 ended in a north vs south battle where nobody could find the elusive winning goal.

The Crusaders opened the scoring in this tie when Odhran Torbitt rattled the back of the net in the opening half. As the tie grew to its conclusion Clare managed to equalize through Liam Hogan ensuring that neither side could be separated before the final whistle.

Group B 2010 Club 

Salthill Devon Fc 2 

Greenisland F.c 2

There was nothing to separate these two sides in the teatime kick-off on the final day as both sides went home with a share of the points.

 The home side took early control and raced into a two-goal lead with efforts from Rahim Latidoye before her partner in crime Jaeson So doubled the advantage.

This wasn't enough for the home side as the opposition leveled the tie with Luke Hill fired in two well taken goals to make sure his side would come away from this teatime game with at least a point.

Group B 20101 Club 

Killarney Athletic 5 

Limerick County 1

The Kerry side came out on top of this all-Munster affair with four goals to spare at the full-time whistle.

By the interval they had taken a three-goal advantage with a brace from Eanna Hennigan in between a Brendan McHugh effort.  Cian Hegarty and Alan Scannell gave their side a five-goal average with a few minutes to go. It was a final consolation effort from KEVIN REALE that finished the scoring as Limerick found the net in the end.

https://www.extratime.com/articles/31648/galway-cup-2023---day-1-action-review/

Wexford Junioor B Hurling

Junior B Hurling Championship

Crossabeg/ Ballymurn 1-13

Naomh Éanna 4-14

Eoin Horkan

Moolamolin

A hat trick of goals from Caellum Travers was the difference as Naomh Éanna got the better of

Crossabeg Ballymurn on Monday.

It was the side from the south that opened the scoring through an early white flag from Cathal

Byrne. Inside eight minutes the Gorey side had taken complete control with Caellum Travers

firing over an equalizer before raising the green flag twice inside a number of minutes. This

kicked the visitors into gear led by Billy Roche who hit two frees and an effort from play along

with a James Dixon effort . Gorey's response was a free from Jamie Kinch half way through the

half .The 2nd quarter was much tenser as sides traded scores with Roche and Kinch trading

dead balls. It was Shane Cullen who finished the scoring for Crossabeg before two final scores

for Gorey from Nathan Byrne and John Doyle .

This left four between the sides as the break.

After the interval Aaron Byrne extended his sides advantage by the minimum. It was then the

turn of Roche to split the posts with a placed ball before Kinch did the same at the other end. It

was the north Wexford side that then took complete control hitting a purple patch as Travers

finished his hat trick and doubled his points tally . Another Kinch effort this time from play saw

the lead grow wider. Crossabeg Ballymurn corner forward Paul Roche then got his name on

the score sheet splitting the posts .As the full time whistle grew closer both sides emptied the

benches and within minutes Tony Murphy had narrowed the gap before William Cullen canceled

out his effort. With less that ten minutes to go Barry Levingston broke away to bury a fourth goal

while Roche slotted two more frees down the other end. His counterpart Kinch did the same as

the game came towards an inevitable conclusion .

With the final puck off the game fullback Micheal Evinston effort found the back of the net to put

some respectability to the final score.

Crossabeg/Ballymurn; Luke Lacey; Sean Reckon, Michael Eviston(1-0) (C), Lorcan Commins;

Eoin McDonald,Connor Murphy, Conor Bernard;Shane Murphy,James White; Shane Cullen(0-

1),Billy Roche (0-8 6fs 1 65) James Dixon(0-1); Cathal Byrne(0-1),Robert Byrne, Paul Roche(0-

1).

Subs Used: Nicholas Murphy for Robert Byrne (25), Tony Murphy (0-1) for James Dixon (41),

Cian Walsh for Cathal Byrne (50).

Naomh Éanna: Barry Kinsella; Joe Naughton,Darragh Fitzpatrick,Rossi Kavanagh;Cormac

Doyle,Brian Sunderland ©,,Oran Fitzpatrick;Paddy Dwyer,John Doyle(0-1);Jamie Kinch(0-7

6fs),Aaron Byrne(0-1),Barry Levingston(1-0);Nathan Byrne(0-2),Caellum Travers( 3-2), Dylan

Cooke-Leonard

Subs used:Scott Murphy for Rossi Kavanagh (34), William Cullen (0-1) for Caellum Travers

(44), Larry Cullen for Dylan Cooke-Leonard (55), Mikey Cushe for Barry Levingston (60)

Referee: Jamie Farrell

Junior A Championship R1

 Junior A Championship Round 1

 Arklow Geraldines-Ballymoney 1-8

 St Pats 1-12

 Eoin Horkan

Avondale

 The Wicklow Town side has four points to spare over fourteen-man AGB in Avondale Sunday tea time.

 

From the opening minutes of this local derby, it was clear that there wouldn't be much between the sides at the final whistle. With one of the first attacks of the game St Pat's corner forward George O'Brien managed to find the net giving his side the lead before Darrah Culleton replied with a cultured left footed effort minutes later. Scores were coming thick and fast up to the midway point with Stephen Duffy firing over efforts from play and frees. AGB’s response was white flags from Daire McBride and a great effort from captain Corey Mills who drove forward from his wing back position. It was Culleton frees that were keeping his side in the game whilst at the other end the Wicklow town side were finding scores easier to come by as Jack Fox Jack Dunne and Niall Earls all raised white flags leaving six points between the sides at the interval.

It was Pats who took control after the break with Dunne adding to his tally along with a fine effort from Shane Murley who finished off a flowing team move. This early flurry kicked the opposition into gear led by a fine long-range effort of the boot of Kyle Kelly this tie was swinging back in the Geraldines favor. Then came the decisive moment of the tie as AGB won a penalty which Darragh Culleton stepped up to take but his first effort and rebound was expertly kept out by Ian Murphy in the goal. The control of the tie was still with AGB even after Shane McBride was shown the line for a second yellow card. Within minutes Mark Fitzgerald had pointed before finding the back of the net to leave only a score between the slides inside the last ten minutes. The gap had narrowed to two with a Culleton free. It was Pats that held out for the victory with a final effort from veteran Duffy before midfielder Murley hit the final insurance score for his side.

 

AGB: Tiernan Murray; Daire Furlong, Tadhg O’ Callahan, Sean McCarthy; Corey Mills (0-1), Conor Gahan, Padraic Bermingham; Kyle Kelly (0-1), Mark Hurley; Ross McBride, Daire McBride (0-1), Shane McBride; Mark Fitzgerald (1-1), Conn Kinsella, Darragh Culleton. (0-4 3fs)

Subs Used; Donal O’ Keefe for Ross McBride (ht), Patrick O’ Halloran for Conn Kinsella (50).

 

St Pats: Ian Murphy, Tom Phelan, Jem Kavanagh, Mark Evans; Niall Earls, Ciaran Doyle, Cal Kelly; Shane Murley (0-2), Paul Earls (0-1); Chris Kavanagh, Jack Dunne (0-3), Ryan McConnell; George O’ Brien (1-1), Stephen Duffy (0-4 3fs)), Jack Fox (0-1)

Subs Used: Andy O; Brien for Chris Kavanagh, (50), Ruairí Barron for Ryan McConnell (60).

 

Referee Kieron Kenny. 

Junior A Championship R1

 

Junior A Championship

 

Blessington 2-14

 Aughrim 1-9

 Eoin Horkan

 Bray Emmets

 With only one sub this didn't stop a determined Blessington beating Aughrim on Sunday afternoon.

 This scoring in this tie was opened by Auhgrim as Joe McGuckian along with teammate Conor Phelans saw them take an early three-point lead. By the midway point of the half their opponents had leveled with dead balls from Mikey O’ Toole and Jordan Nolan in between an effort from center back Cillian Bailey. This purple patch ended with a goal from Adam Wilkinson. This lead was reduced by Alex Kavanagh before O’ Toole and Nolan raised two more white flags to leave four points between the sides at the break.

The west Wicklow side kept the pressure on in the second half adding four more unanswered scores by the aforementioned Nolan and O'Toole who were firing over at their ease. It was then the turn of midfielder Ruairí Finan to open his account when he buried the ball high into the net. As the half drew to the midway point Aughrim tried to narrow the gap through McGuckian and Kavanagh in between another Adam Williamson effort. The marble city side emptied their bench and substitute Jonathan O’ Connor found the net with his first touch of the game. With the game heading to the final whistle Conor Phelan’s dead balls kept the tie alive while at the other end O'Toole and Nolan were scoring at their ease along with final efforts from Sean Mescal and Curtis Geraghty to maintain the lead up until the final whistle.

 

Aughrim: Mark Shannon; Finn Byrne, Oision Keegan Mark Clancy, Shane McGuckian, Dylan Byrne, Ian Clancy; Sean Campbell, Mick Brennan; Joe McGuckian (0-2), Conor Phelan (0-53fs), Patrick Leccardi; Alex Kavanagh (0-2), Robert Lambert, Dean Newsome.

Subs Used; Adam Keegan for Patrick Leccardi (28), Dylan Byrne for Conor Lambert (ht), Jonathan O Connor (1-0) for Mick Brennan (39).

 

Blessington: Barry Behan; Dylan Friel, James Dooley, Ethan Cotter; Jordan Lynch, Cillian Bailey (0-1), Barry Murphy; Kevin John Rogers, Ruairí Finan (1-0); Adam Williamson (1-1, Curtis Geraghty (0-1) Sean Mescal (0-1); Michael O’ Toole (0-5 3fs), Sean Byrne, Jordan Nolan (0-5  4fs).

Subs Used: Thomas Fisher for Kevin John Rogers (28).

 

Referee Tiernan De Hall.

Junior A Championship R1

 

Junior A Championship 

Ashford 0-9

Baltinglass GAA 1-5

Eoin Horkan 

Laragh 

A last-minute free kick from Brian Coen was the difference between these two sides midday Sunday.

After a nervy opening couple of plays it was Ashford who opened the scoring through corner forward Keevan Doyle before Brian Coen doubled the lead with a free minutes later. As the rain came down heavily in Laragh it was difficult for either side to score from play. The west Wicklow side reduced the lead with a dead ball off the boot of Jack Hanlon. As the half went on Ashford gained complete control as Coen was causing danger every time, he got the ball splitting the posts from play before adding a second free to his tally. On the cusp of halftime, the tie was leveled when Peader Burke burst through to find the back of the net.

The north Wicklow side created a goal chance early in the second half, but Michael Trainor's effort flew wide of the post. It was that man Coen who gave his side the lead again with a fine effort from play. Within minutes Baltinglass hit a purple patch firing over three unanswered scores with two coming from the boot of substitute Jamie Furlong along with a Niall O’ Connor effort. These scores were canceled out in the final quarter by the evergreen Coen who put his side in the lead again raising the white flag on three occasions. It looked like the tie would finish level when Furlong added his third off the bench. With the final play of the game Ashofrd were awarded a free which Coen slotted over to ensure victory.

Ashford: Wayne O’Gorman; Conor Daly, Craig Lawlor, Joey Driver; Rian Dwyer, Michael Dickenson, Billy Clarkson; Rob Clarkson, Danny Kavanagh; Ross Quinn, Brendan Manning, Michael Trainor; Keevan Doyle (0-1), Brian Coen (0-8 4fs), Cormac Doyle.

Subs Used: Brian Egan for Ross Quinn Cal Connolly for Michael Trainor (43), Gavin Weir for Brendan Manning (49), Dean Mooney for Billy Clarkson (55), Fionn Doyle for Rian Dwyer (60)

Baltinglass; William Rogers; John Murray, Conor O’ Neill, Hugh O’ Toole; David Gethings, Tommy Cullen, Mick Dowling; Peter Osbourne, Niall O’ Connor (0-1); Peader Burke (1-0), Adam Keogh, Jason Kenny; Sean O’ Brien, Jack Hanlon (0-1), Tony Kealy.

Subs Used: Jamie Furlong (0-3 2fs) for Jason Kenny, Lee Furlong for Adam Keogh (39), William Brien for Niall O’ Connor (56).

Referee Eddie Leonard 

Junior Camogie

 

Junior Camogie Championship

Avoca 4-4

Carnew 4-2

Eoin Horkan

Avoca ( Rooster Park)

 

Avoca used home advantage to ensure a win in their first women’s senior camogie game since 2015.

It was the home side that troubled the scoreboard first when Elizabeth Fahy’s long range strike found the back of the net inside five minutes. Within minutes Carnew narrowed the gap with a dead ball from Tara Doran . Avoca’s defence were holding out strong most notably goalie Claire Fleming who stopped a number of goal bound efforts. Just after the midpoint Fahy raised a white flag from play before grabbing a second from a free. The ever dangerous Doran  in midfield for Carnew gathered the ball and raised  a green flag on the stroke of half time leaving the minimum between the sides at the break.

From the beginning of the second period it was clear that points from play were going to be tough to come by. The home side manged to point first with  a fantastic long range free from Lisa Marie  Doyle before Doran  cancelled it out moments later. As the half dragged defences were still on top until with ten minutes gone Shauna Dickenson stepped up to bury a goal from her side. Within minutes Dickenson had added a second goal to her tally after collecting a dropping ball before firing high into the net. After this quick fire flurry it looked like Avoca were on the way for a win but the Carnew girls had other ideas. It was Doran  again who found the back of the net for a second time. With eight minutes left up stepped Aoife Wafer who found the back of the net. The home pushed forward through Fahy with one final free and a goal from Doyle from long range. A final Aoife Wafer goal wasn’t enough as Avoca held on for what was a well-deserved victory at home.

 

 

Avoca: Claire Fleming; Abaigh Mableson, Elaine Kinsella, Sharon Wolohan; Michellle Humphries, Carrie Short, Mia Wolohan; Lauren Barnes, Hannah Fahy; Rebecca Nolan, Lisa Marie Doyle (1-1 1f), Elizabeth Fahy (1-3 2fs); Chloe Doyle, Stacey Roche, Shauna Dickinson (2-0)

Subs Used: Olivia Connell for Abaigh Mableson, Stephanie Keogh for Chloe Doyle (ht), Michaella Dickenson for Lauren Barnes ( 49 min).

Carnew: Vicki Mulhall; Faye Mulroe, Sinead Kinsella, Hannah Mulroe; Orlaith Molloy, Maire Doran, Lauren Myers; Tara Doran (2-2 2fs), Grace Cosgrave; Aoife Wafer (2-0); Charlotte Myers, Cara Molloy; Chloe Massey, Mollie Mulroe, Aoife Kenny.

Subs Used; Phidelma Elvin for Aoife Kenny ( 40 mins)

 

Referee Derek Omen. ( Balinteer St Johns)

Intermediate Hurling Championship G1 Round 1

 Avondale 2-13

Bray Emmets 5-10

Balinakill 

Eoin Horkan 

A strong second half performance was enough to see the north Wicklow men win in Balinakill on Sunday morning.

It was the Emmets who opened the scoring when a long ball was driven into full forward Tom Cash. He expertly gathered it and within forty seconds had his team a goal up. Avondale who were down a number of players after injuries in their senior game Friday night started to come back in the tie as Shane Browne in midfield drove a long-range effort over the bar to open his sides account. Within seven minutes the Dales had taken the lead with a goal and two points from wing forward Torna Mulcorny who was causing trouble any time the ball came near him. As the half drew on Browne was powering through the middle striking over two more points in between another effort from Mulcrony. With twenty minutes gone injury struck again as Browne had to be replaced after he pulled his hamstring. This gave Bray a lift and led by full forward Cash they started to make inroads into the lead. After Cash slotted a free to stem the tide the opposition added their final minor scores of the half through Eugene Dunne and Mulcrony again. It was all Bray up until the half time whistle as Cash slotted over three fires and an effort from play to leave only a goal in it at the break.  

As the rain started to fall in Balinakill it was Bray who took advantage of the slippery conditions. Within two minutes of the second half, they had manufactured a lead with goals from Andy Conway and Liam Benville. Bray’s tactical move of moving Conway from midfield to full forward was a masterstroke, as himself and Cash raised white flags each inside the opening minutes of the half. The north Wicklow side were in complete control now and after Jack Fitzgerald’s point it was wing forward Liam Benville who found the back of the net before the dangerous Conway doubled his tally with another goal. Avondale started emptying the bench and this worked immediately as Ross Ward fired over to end the opposition's purple patch. As the game was drawing to a close Avondale were reduced to fourteen men when corner forward Eanna Owens was given a straight red for an off the ball incident. Immediately after the card Cash nailed the free before Conway hit what was his final score of the tie. Being down to fourteen men seemed to wake the Dales up as Mulcony and Jack Manley narrowed the gap. The opposition's final score of the game was a fine long-range effort from center back Sam Kearney. The aforementioned Mulcrony finished the scoring in the tie with a goal and a point just before the ref blew the final whistle. Reducing the margin to six by the end.

Avondale: Mikey O’ Toole; Ben O’ Neill, Eoghan Baker, Anthony O’ Toole; Eanna Owens, Shane Browne (0-3 2fs), Dean Gahan; Shane Byrne, Eugene Dunne (0-1); Cathal Baker, Keith Byrne, Torna Mulcrony (2-7 2fs); Craig Byrne, Karl Phelan, Dan Owens,

Subs Used; Jack Manley (0-1) for Shane Browne, Ross Ward (0-1) for Karl Phelan, Paul Gahan for Keith Byrne.

Bray Emmets: Brian McCann; Shane Anders, Peter Walsh, Cillian Molloy; Gavin Henderson, Sam Kearney (0-1), Dan Kennedy; Andy Conway (2-2), Oscar Harty; Jack Fitzgerald, (1-1) Sean Kenny, Liam Benville (2-0); Cian O’ Byrne, Tom Cash (1-6 4fs), Paul Barry.

Subs Used: James Byrne for Dan Kennedy, Seanie McDonagh for Cian O’ Byrne, Liam Kenny for Tom Cash.

Referee; Ciaran Goff ( Éire Óg)

Carlow Lacrosse Connection( Irelands Senior Mens Team)

 

Gearoid Dunbar. Defender No.20

 

The first of the Carlow brothers we hear from in San Diego is Irish veteran and ex senior captain Gearoid.

 

He explains to us how he was “born in Carlow town but moved to the US at a young age”.

This is where the Carlow native picked up the sport of lacrosse. “I started playing in middle school in the US and then started playing back in Ireland then as soon as we moved home when I was 17, I think we're in the country two weeks before, up at UCD playing pickup games.”.

Thus, transition back to Carlow and Ireland where lacrosse is a minority sport did not affect Dunbar as he continued to play at the highest level possible in his native country. “There was no high school lacrosse in Ireland or there wasn't when I was there. And so, I just got thrown into the men's league immediately at 17. So I kind of had to toughen up and get better if I wanted to keep playing if I didn't want to play, you know, there was another option really so it was a little bit difficult at first to kind of go from the physical side of things but I play coy physically myself so it wasn't too bad. “

Once the older of the brothers finished secondary school in Ireland, he had become a great rugby player, and this brought him to Carlow IT where there is no Lacrosse team. He reveals how he kept up his skills while in college. “I didn't play lacrosse in college. I played for the Dublin City team and the prawns when they were a team and so I didn't play college lacrosse at all. Rugby was my main sport in school. So, you know I just kind of went up as much as I could to keep playing and then obviously traveled as much as I could.”

From playing in Ireland Gearoid went on to make history as he was the first captain of an Irish U20 side in 2016. “I was the first ever Irish captain for the under 20 team in 2016. And then played in 2018 in Coquitlam, in the indoor World Cup, then as well and then now in San Diego.”

Dunbar’s life as a rugby coach has now brought him back to the USA where he explains to us that he is actually finding it quite difficult to play lacrosse at the moment due to his busy lifestyle. “I'm back in the US and working in kind of a very demanding job where the university is the director of rugby. I feel now I've lost a few steps just because I don't have a stick in my hand as much as I'd like. I'm planning a lot more box lacrosse than field in the last few years like last two years really especially just with the concept of schedule, our seasons kind of clash. I don't really get to play too much field lacrosse. “

Looking into the future, Dunbar describes what he believes his future plans are and how he hopes he might wear the green jersey a few more times if he can. “So, I'm kind of trying to figure that out. I'd like to play one more, but you know, life kind of gets in the way. This is again that we're all amateurs at this. None of us are full time and unfortunately, I'm a rugby coach. So, I have a lot of responsibilities. Now. I've got you know; I'm working with back in the pro setup as well in the US as well as the university so I missed a good few important things that I should have been asked for this tournament. So, it's kind of the hard decision of career over lifestyle, basically what you want to do so that's going to become a major factor in the next few years for me.”

 

 

Ruari Dunbar Face Off No.2

 

Up next, we hear from the younger of the brothers Ruari who unfortunately broke his arm in the middle of the world championships.

 

Ruari details to us his lacrosse career and how he went from Carlow town to Las Vegas to the world championships in San Diego. “When I was five years old, I moved over to Vegas with my family. So, I started playing over there with my brother in middle school and then when I moved back in first year in secondary school, I kept trying to keep up my lacrosse skills in Ireland.”

This was always going to be a tough transition for the young student, but it didn't stop him from developing and improving as a lacrosse player in Ireland. Ruari along with his brother spent nearly every weekend possible playing lacrosse in Dublin. He goes on to reveal the difference between playing in Ireland in comparison to the USA. “Yeah, it was definitely, definitely a different pace to the game and obviously the rules are a lot different. We use the international ones. So that was good. For me to get that exposure straightaway and kind of be playing, get more experienced by playing on the international rules for the Irish team.

The younger brother, like his brother, didn't play in college like the majority of his Irish teammates who played at a high level in the USA and Canada. This didn't stop him as he got the opportunity to play for his country.

He explains to us how he felt playing for Ireland for the first time and even more special getting to play with his brother. “Yeah, it was really exciting. I was fortunate enough that my brother got called up as well. So, it was a special moment for our family. My friends and our family were really excited for us and obviously it's great to be representing Carlow and Ireland. Every time I put on the green jersey. It’s just such a special moment to be standing there. With your brother and all your friends singing and singing the national anthem is just such a special time.”

Dunbar believes that this is his 5th or 6th time representing Ireland at the national level; and details all the tournaments he has appeared in wearing the green jersey.” I think it was my fifth or my sixth. This is my second World Cup. Was the captain of the U20 European Championships a few years ago in Prague along with being a member of the senior team at World and European level.”

 

Quite similar to his brother he has left Irish shores in search of new experiences and lifestyle, and he illustrates how much the sport of; lacrosse has helped him see different parts of the world. “Just the opportunities that come from it are just incredible. I've got to travel all around the world. You know, we were in Israel in 2018. And I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to move to Prague where I just lived for the last eight- or nine-months playing lacrosse over there. Yeah, it's just such a great opportunity to see so much of the world that you wouldn't see otherwise.

Dunbar looks past this championship which was tough for him; he believes it won't be the last time he wears the Irish jersey as he hopes to make a few more appearances if he gets picked for the squads. “So obviously I said I was living in Prague, so I'm still on the team over there. So, I'm going to look maybe to go back there but for now I'm just after moving to Virginia. So, I'll be involved in stuff over in Virginia and obviously with the Irish team we have the box lacrosse Championships next summer. So, we're going to focus kind of shift towards that now. Obviously for myself, getting my arm fixed and getting to go to recovery and then getting back in with good players and playing a lot more regularly and building towards the World Championships next summer.”

 

Let's hope we see these two Carlow natives wear the Irish jersey as much as they can. Lacrosse could become an Olympic sport and we could see the two boys maybe wear that jersey for the last time in 2028 at the games.

Cavan Lacrosse Connection ( Ireland Senior Mens Team)

 

Pat Smyth 81 Defender

 

First, we have defender Pat Smyth who explains to us “My father’s side of the family hail from Virginia in Co. Cavan”. Pat who grew up in Philadelphia details how lacrosse is a huge sport in the area and how he has played it from a young age. Pat has only recently graduated from college where he played lacrosse to a high level. “I played lacrosse at St. John's University in Queens for five years. I graduated in 2021.”

He then goes on to describe how he got onto the involvement in the Irish men’s set up. “I think I saw something or during the 2014 World Championships I saw Ireland play being a dual citizen. I said I would try out and attempt to make the team. Smyth went to his first Irish trail for the World championships in 2018 and hasn't looked back since

Smyth reminisces about getting his first call up in 2018 and how he felt “It’s just an immense amount of pride and joy. It's such a great honor to be able to represent the great country of Ireland and play for my heritage and represent the country where my grandparents came from.

Finally, Smyth tells us how he wants to keep representing Ireland. I want to wear the green Jersey for as long as I can. I hope to make a few more World Championships and European Games.” If the Olympic committee allows Lacrosse into the Olympics, we could see Smyth represent Ireland and Cavan on the Olympic stage in 2028.

 

Brady Morin Defender no. 39

 

The second member of the Irish Lacrosse team we hear from with a Cavan connection was yet another defender in Brady Morin whose mom hails from Laragh in Co. Cavan. “My mom is from Cavan in Ireland. So, we've always been raised in a very Irish household, and she can be very close to the culture there.”

Brady, who is now a junior in college, explains how he started playing lacrosse at a young age in New Jersey and how he is now still playing at a high level in the USA. “I go to RIT who play division 3 lacrosse and I have two more years playing there before I graduate.”

Morin, who represented the Irish U21 side last year at the World Championships in Limerick, details how he first got involved in the Irish set up at youth level. “. So, I saw them on TV when I they were in Prague. And I thought that was such a cool thing. And I really wanted to be a part of it. My mom and I looked into how we could and saw the U19 team at the time. So, I went out, so I went to Philly, tried out for the team. And then they said I was really good, and they allowed me to come to Ireland for the official tryout and I made the team for the Championships

Brady describes brilliantly how he felt when he made that original side along with the senior side in San Diego. “I was absolutely ecstatic. I was just so excited and honored to be a part of this. And it was very exciting coming out to Limerick and now I am part of the senior side in San Diego I couldn't be happier. It was something I never thought would happen when I started playing the sport in New Jersey.” He goes on to detail how he felt after he got the call regarding the senior team and his first World Championships. “It was always a dream, but I didn't really think much of it when I found that I wasn't officially part of the team but when I got that call from the Irish coach, I was so excited and I was like yes it definitely is I I have to do this no matter what.”

After appearing in his first senior tournament at such a young age for Ireland it is clear that this young defender has plenty more left in the tank whether it's at European, World Championships or even Olympics if Lacrosse gets the go ahead to be a sport in 2028.

This is hopefully not the last time you will hear from the Cavan star.

Sligo Lacrosse Connection ( Ireland Senior Mens Lacrosse Team

 

Luke Moloney  Attacker No. 19

 

What a year it has been for the Easkey man from playing in Croke park for his club to playing at the Men's Senior Lacrosse World Championships in San Diego in June/July

 

Luke was born in Easkey, but he then goes on to explain to us how he began playing Lacrosse. “So, I grew up in Manchester from when I was about 8 to 20. So, I would have picked up the cross as a kid started playing lacrosse in primary school. Secondary school I went and started playing field lacrosse and just kind of went with it from there.”

It was always going to be difficult for the young Sligo man to pursue his Lacrosse career, but he worked hard and managed to achieve his dream. “My first start with the Irish team was in 2019 for the U 20 European Championship in Prague and then off the back of that. One of the coaches was also coaching the men's box team. He called me off as an alternate for the 2019 Men's box team and I haven't looked back since then. I have made every squad I could have since then at senior level.”

While sitting in San Diego Maloney explains how he felt when he got the call to play for the men’s senior side at the world championships. “When the team got announced we got the email that got announced. That was a relief obviously after you know the hard work that goes into preparing and trying it out. It's always a good feeling to represent Ireland. Yeah, I was obviously a little bit shocked, in a good way. Felt like I had to step up and really live up to it and just kind of went in there trying to learn as much as I could. Just try and be a student, rather than the older more experienced guys and just try to help out in any way that I could to help the team in whatever way I possibly could.”

Maloney, who spent part of last year in Canada developing his lacrosse skills, points out to us that he will find it difficult to play for Ireland if he stays in the country.” My plan is always just to try and try and get as good as I can to try to improve as much as I can to be a more impactful player for the national team. So, I've got the visa for Canada. I am going to train and go back and play some box lacrosse out there. I was there last year. Hope to get back out there this wintertime and just keep trying to develop you're trying to get better and be a better place to help the Irish team in the next few competitions.

It is clear Luke has a plan and let’s hope we will see the Sligo man wear the Irish jersey at European, world and maybe even Olympic level in 2028.

 

Brendan Boles Defender No. 43

 

Next up we have American born defender Brendan Boles who points out to us how strong is Sligo heritage is. “So, my grandfathers from Sligo are from Geevagh and then emigrated over to Canada and then down into New York and was a bar down in New York City.” Boles explains to us how he started playing the sport in elementary school around 8th grade and hasn't really looked back since. He also went on to play college lacrosse at a high level near to where he lived until he graduated. “I played division 3 lacrosse in Morrisville State College which is up in Syracuse, New York where I graduated from in 2021.”

For a man who was well aware of his Irish roots he always had a feeling he could represent Ireland at an international level, and this was the case once he talked to his cousin. “My cousin actually played for the 2002 World Team for Ireland, and he was the one who mentioned it to me. “

Boles then goes onto to detail how he went to the first Irish trials and his experience since then.” I started trying out at Rutgers University and then got invited to Ireland and Limerick. So, we played in the festival and as a triumph alongside the world, you 21 World Games and then found out I made a team just really, really happy to be here and just excited to represent my family and the country of Ireland.” Brendan then reveals his initial feelings when he got word that he had made the Irish team. “It was Just a great feeling. You know, just a lot of hard work paid off and I'm just happy to represent my grandparents and my family that are still in Ireland.”

He finishes off by explaining that “I want to keep playing for the Irish team as long as he can so I can honor that heritage and make my grandfather proud.”

 

Conor Shears Attacker

 

The final member of the Irish team we hear from is Conor Shears who reveals to us he has very strong Irish/ Sligo connections. “, My grandfather's family was all from curry and Sligo. And I've too many second cousins to count the belief my mom had 51 first cousins, all Irish born and been able to visit the country several times. Once when I was two, once when I was about 10, and then a couple of times recently going out there to Limerick for the island training camps. And like grandfather, was a Gaelic football player who played for the Curry team. His name was Patrick Henry. “

Even with the Irish blood Shears picked up lacrosse at a young age from his mother. “I started playing lacrosse when I was six. My mom didn't play growing up, but she picked up the sport in a gym class in college. T So she wanted me and my brother to give it a try. And she ended up setting up these after school clinics at my school, which is the local high school. “Due to Covid Shears was lucky enough to play lacrosse for five years in college. '' I first went to Bucknell University before being lucky enough to move to Florida and play for a year in Jacksonville.”

Shears could see that a number of his college teammates had played international lacrosse for different teams so he went out to see if he could represent Ireland. “  I'd heard that if you just have a grandparent that was born in a different country, you're eligible to get the passport and eligible for dual citizenship that I actually heard from Coach Curran back in 2019 from the same area as him to play against his high school lacrosse back when I was in high school. And he reached out to me, so I ended up applying for a passport and tried out for the team and went to training camp in 2019 for the 2020 euros. `Conor informs us of how he felt when he first got the call to play for Ireland. “It's been an awesome experience. Every experience I've had with the teams before it's been great, like having a blast training camp I went to and then this was my first time competing with the team. That's been awesome here at SDSU in San Diego with all the other athletes with all the other guys representing their respective countries. And it's really been an honor to wear the Irish uniform and actually go out there and compete. “

Now that he has finished college that amount of Lacrosse Shears will play will be less, but this doesn't mean he won't wear the green jersey for a number of more years. “I'll definitely be playing again. You know, being graduated from college this is the only competitive lacrosse I get to play anymore. I am hoping for the best in these next two seating games. You know we want to lock down the nine seed t and hopefully get a good seeding for the next go around. “

 

Let's hope we see all the boys play again at European, World and hopefully even Olympic level if the game is accepted by the International Olympic committee for 2028 and beyond.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/sport/other-sports/sligo-well-represented-on-irish-lacrosse-team/a1873153198.html

Mayo Conection ( Irish Senior mens Lacrosse Team)

 Mayo men flying the flag for Ireland in San Diego at the World senior Men's Lacrosse Championship.

 

 

Don Preston Irish Senior Men's Coach

 

“My family's from Mayo, a place called Killeen There's a church on top of the hill there. They all moved during the famine where they went  to  Columbus, Ohio, and from there they went west. And a couple ended up in California where I was born. Don explains  how he moved to Ireland in 2004 and played and was involved in setting up a team in UCD.

When his playing career was over he moved back to the USA to become a college Lacrosse coach. He states how he has coached in my different schools but always stayed in touch with the Irish set up

Doe first coached the Éire team with his friend and colleague Richie Moran before getting in touch with head coach Matt Curran who got him involved in the senior  men's team.

With the World Championships now finished Don believes that Ireland Lacrosse is in a great place after finishing 12th in the world and that at can achieve higher placings in future competitons “I think we've got a lot of talent potential more on the score ability and shooting sides and defensive side as take advantage of the adjustment in roles from 20 minutes to 15 quarters. The first ever solo scrimmages after only a couple of training sessions getting folks dialed in and learning each other your names and whatnot. has been pretty good. The first game came out pretty good”.

 

Thomas Burke (35 YEARS Old No. 6)

 

Next we hear from Thomas Burke who is the only player on the Irish squad that has played professionally. He tells us “ how the Burke side of his family originated in Mayo before they moved stateside. He grew up in  Long Islands in New York where lacrosse is as popular as football down south and baseball and in the islands. So lacrosse is everywhere. So I started as a little kid from Massapequa, New York and it's a great lacrosse program.  I played high school lacrosse in college at SUNY Cortland, I played professionally for three years for the Boston Cannons for two years and then New York lizards for a year..”

 

As the veteran of the Irish  Burke’s Irish career began back in 2014 and he had played in every tournament since then  This was his third world outdoor championships along with a number of indoor and box games as well. Burke gives us his thoughts on representing Ireland. “ I definitely didn't take it for granted. I've had an awesome opportunity to put on the green / white jersey everytime i can and I hope to do it a few more times before I eventually retire. “ I definitely have some gas left in  the tank and  would love to possibly give another opportunity to represent Ireland's maybe in box maybe in the European Championships or maybe in the worlds again if given that chance.

 

Conor Kelly Irish Goalkeeper no. 9

 

The Mayo connections don't stop as nex we speak to goalie Conor Kelly whose dads daily come from Claremorris County Mayo . Conor details his early lacrosse career before he made the Irish team. “ I started playing in third grade. And originally played, like midfield  and attack and then actually hurt my back when I was in eighth grade gave goalie a try. It's pretty good at it and then stuck with it”.Kelly explains how  he played at the highest college level possible. “I went to high school at Haverford school, just outside of Philadelphia, and then went on to play at Notre Dame which is a division 1 college which is the highest level of the game in the country”.

Kelly goes on to reveal how he first heard about the Irish lacrosse set up.”So I actually threw through a former teammate at Notre Dame in 2017. just asked me if he knew I had dual citizenship with Ireland and asked me if I was going to try out and I was like, I don't know what you're talking about. He's like, You should try out and so I've actually already missed one of the tryouts for the 2018 team in New York, which would have been closer in Philly and then drove up to Boston that next weekend, to try it out.``.  Since the original try out Kelly has represented Ireland at every  major tournament since even being picked as one of the captains for this world championship .” I   have since played on the 2018 World Team outdoor 2019 Indoor team 2022 Euro box team and now this time around in San Diego for the worlds”.

 

 Conor who is now one of the more experienced players looks back to 2018 when he got that first call stating that “it was an incredible feeling. You know, my parents never played neither did grandparents from Ireland, you know, didn't know anything about lacrosse. And you know, fortunately, my grandma got a chance to watch me play at Notre Dame and no you know, I don't even think I can't  comprehend how much it  meant  to her . You know, to watch me represent Ireland. And you know, all my extended family could not be prouder.”

 

Pat  Smyth Defender )no 91)

 

Next up we have defender Pat Smyth who points out to us that his “grandmother is an Eagney from Ballyhaunis in Mayo. Pat who grew up in Philadelphia details how lacrosse is a huge sport in the area and how he has played it from a young age. Pat has only recently graduated from college where he played lacrosse to a high level. “I played lacrosse at St. John's University in Queens for five years. graduated in 2021.”

He then goes on to describe how he got onto the involvement in the Irish mens set up. “I think I saw something or during the 2014 World Championships I saw Ireland play being a dual citizen. I said I would try out and attempt to make the team. Like Kelly Smyth has played in every tournament since and hopes to play in a few more if he gets the opportunity”.

Smyth reminisces about getting his first call up in 2018 and how he felt “ It's just an immense amount of pride and joy. It's such a great honor to be able to represent the great country of Ireland and play  for my heritage and represent the country where my grandparents came from.”

 

Andy Myers midfielder  no.34

Up next is Andy Myers whose father has a very strong Mayo Heritage. “My Irish  connection is on my father's side of the family. So his parents were born in Ireland. They were born in County Mayo, a little town called "Party". Myers explains how he has moved around a lot when he was younger and even still now. “ So I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and then ended up moving to Kansas when I was about 9 years old. So I grew up there. I started playing lacrosse there, went to high school there, everything like that. And then I've kind of moved around a little bit. I lived in Wisconsin and Ohio now I live in Virginia, but yeah, my formative years were all in Kansas.”

Myers gives his dad the credit for getting him involved in the Irish Irish mens set up . “ It  was through my dad , he had seen that there had been, you know, an Ireland national lacrosse team and knew that I obviously had my citizenship. So, you know, we actually went out to Denver in 2014 Because it's not that far from where I grew up. So we went out to Denver to watch the team in the 2014 world championships”.

 

Myers has worn the Irish jersey  since then , he believes “ It’s a huge honor. Obviously like any chance to represent my heritage but also get to play you know, on on the world stage right getting getting to play in some European Championships and World Championships. It's a special experience and I think you know, it's just really unique. So I'm just very, very grateful and very thankful and again, kind of a full circle. feeling every time I'm able to put on the Irish jersey  just knowing my family's heritage and you know, the people that have given me opportunities you know, in this sport, it's a pretty cool thing to be able to experience and say that I've been able to do and accomplish in my career”.

Myers is hopeful he can make another couple of appearances once his injuries from this tournament clear up.

 

Brian Smyth attack/ face off no.88

 

Brian Smyht has had an interesting tournament beginning as an attacker and finishing as Ireland's face off guy( players that win possession after a goal or beginning of each quarter). .

Smyth;s connections come from the Mayo border in Ballaghaderreen. He explains how on one of his trips  home his family brought him to a Mayo vs Dublin match cementing his “ grandfather's  Mayo roots”.

Brian is another member of the Ireland squad that played a very high level of lacrosse in College after grouping up and playing in Long Island New York .”Yeah, I went to Duke University, and I was fortunate enough to play five years there.where I started as a face off guy before changing to attack..

This was Brian's first time representing Ireland on the world stage. “I unfortunately missed out on tryouts when I was in college for the previous world games and wasn't really thinking about it until my dad mentioned it as he is over in Ireland quite a bit. He got me thinking about it again. So I tried  out at the  US tryouts in New Jersey. And then on to Limerick. Limerick last year. Yes, Limerick was last July”.

After that push from his dad Smyth discloses his thoughts on playing for Ireland and representing his heritage.” It  was very cool going to the trials. It was just a great  experience as I've never played outside of the  Usa . So just being in a different country. Seeing people from where I'd gone for my cousin's never really played. So it was cool seeing Irish people playing and hearing about their experiences playing in Europe and then this whole experience has been great. A lot of cool banter and some good times.”

Smyth has had a great experience in San Diego and hopes to represent Ireland as many times as he can in the future whether at European international or even the Olympics if Lacrosse  get the call for 2028.

 

Jack Galvin Midfielder No. 34

 

Last but not least we have one of the stars of last years U21 side Jack Galvin

Jack grew up in Cape Cod and started playing lacrosse in grade 3 after his friends told him to stop playing soccer. Jack's Mayo connections come from his father Jarlath who was born and raised in Ballina.

Jack is still a college student. “ I play division 2 lacrosse in Assumption . It's  a school in Worcester, Massachusetts. “ He has one more year left before he graduates.

Galvin was originally picked for the Irish U19 team which turned into the U21 side who played in Limerick last year and finished 7th at the World Championship .

Galvins initial start with the Irish set up came from his mother and work. “My mom used to work in Boston. She heard about the Ireland Lacrosse team  through a co-worker. And I tried out because it was originally the U 19  team. But because of COVID and whatnot. I got delayed here. So  it became the U 21 , so I tried out for the team in America and then there were two tryouts in Limerick. So I  made the team and then once the games were on, we just went out and played.

Jack describes the initial feeling of making the first Irish underage  squad along with the senior one now “I was really excited. You know playing for a country where you are parents comes   along with the majority of the rest of your family.So it's really cool and it means more to me everytime I put on the Irish jersey.

So a couple  of months after the tournament in Limerick Galvin received word he would be part of the Senior mens set up in San Diego which he said “ was an amazing achievement and he hopes that he will get more opportunities to represent Ireland in the future.”

 

Corey McMahon

 

The man in the jumper is Corey McMahin who would have been one of Ireland's star players in the tournament in San Diego only for breaking his collarbone weeks before the tournament. McMahon Mayo roots can trace back to the Hennelly’s in Ballyhaunis 

Match 7 Ireland vs Germany

Ireland 7

 

Germany 8

 

Ireland's final game of the World Championship was a narrow defeat against European counterparts Germany.

I

The Germans took control of this tie early on and within seven minutes they had gone two goals ahead as Ireland hadn't  started to play in this early morning game. After the early two goals Ireland kicked into gear as Paddy Corbett netted before Tadjg O  Riordan levelled the tie with twelve seconds left in the quarter .

 

The boys in green took control early in the second period as Aidan Dempsey netted twice to give Ireland a well-earned advantage just before half time. The opposition broke away with eight lefts to narrow the gap to a solitary goal. Both goalies stood strong keeping both teams scoreless up until the half time whistle

 

Within a minute of the restart the Germans had equalized in the game which meant we were in for a tight last twenty minute in the game. In his final game of the tournament Conor Foley netted again to extend his tally before the opposition levelled the tie again with five left in the period. The final five minutes was a tough encounter as sides finished this important quarter level as both defences were coming out on top

 

Both sides started to tire which gave the attackers more room and this resulted in two goals from the Germans with ten minutes left. This kicked the Irish into gear again and it was Foley who scored before Dempsey who managed to level the match with four minutes left. No team managed to change the score before the final whistle meant overtime would separate the sides.

After a sustained period of Irish pressure in overtime Germany broke  await against the run of play to ensure victory with the final goal of the game

 

 Ireland:Conor Kelly,Ruairi Dunbar,Tiernan Donovan ,Tadhg O'Riordan,Thomas Burke,Patrick McShane,Luke Palmadesso,Sean Gibson,Kevin Somerville,Conor Foley,Luke Maloney ,Gearoid Dunbar,Conor Shears,James Fennessy,Joe Walsh,Andy Meyers, Jack Galvin,Brady Morin,Patrick Corbett,Brendan Boles,Brian Smyth,Pat Smyth,Aidan Dempsey

 

Match 6 Ireland vs Peurto Rico

 Ireland 6

 Puerto Rico 7

 Sports Deck SDSU

A last minute goal saw Puerto Rico beat Ireland in what was a tight tense affair from the start.

It was Ireland who flew out of the blocks with Aidan Dempsey netting inside two minutes . Ireland doubled the lead with Conor Foley finding the net With seven left in the first period Ireland went thee up though Patrick Corbett. It looked like Ireland were in control but Puerto Rico narrowed the gap to one with two goals just before the end of the 1st quarter

            The 2nd period was much tougher but eventually PR levelled it with six minutes gone Both sides cancelled each other out leaving the tie level at the break.

Ireland took the lead early in the 3rd quarter when Tadhg O’ Riordan netted from long range. Joe Walsh was in fine form producing a number of great saves in the Irish net. The pressure eventually told when PR levelled the tie again with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Nothing could separate the sides again in this period .

PR finally took the lead for the first time in the tie with four minutes gone  in the final quarter It was sharpshooter Foley who powered through to level the tie yet again with nine left in the tie.

With six minutes to go the tie was in the melting pot and it was PR who took the lead again before O’ Riordan equalized yet again with four left.

The tie looked set for OT until PR broke forward and broke Irish hearts with 27 seconds left to win this engrossing encounter.

                Ireland:Conor Kelly,Ruairi Dunbar,Tiernan Donovan ,Tadhg O'Riordan,Thomas Burke,Patrick McShane,Luke Palmadesso,Sean Gibson,Kevin Somerville,Conor Foley,Luke Maloney ,Gearoid Dunbar,Conor Shears,James Fennessy,Joe Walsh,Andy Meyers, Jack Galvin,Brady Morin,Patrick Corbett,Brendan Boles,Brian Smyth,Pat Smyth,Aidan Dempsey