Former Clare footballer, Cian O’Dea, reflects on a historic win for the New York hurlers
By Áine Hourican
The New York Senior Hurling team hit the year running with a historic win in county Mayo over the weekend, marking an unforgettable moment for New York GAA.
In 2023, the New York Senior Hurling team entered into the preliminary stage of the Connacht Hurling League for the very first time. Departing their first competition crowned as Shield Final champions with a victorious triumph over Leitrim, the panel were determined to return the following year stronger than ever.
In light of the New York Hurling team having only entered into the Connacht Hurling League for the first time in 2023, the panel hit this year with a remarkable win over Mayo, crowning New York as the 2024 Connacht Hurling League champions. Signifying a major development for GAA in New York, the panel proved their worth and returned to the Big Apple with their heads held high.
Former Clare Gaelic football player, Cian O’Dea, acknowledged the win as a “historic moment for New York GAA”.
Transitioning to The Big Apple
O’Dea first relocated to New York in June of 2023. Eager to continue his love of sports, the Clare man swapped Gaelic football for hurling, and joined the New York Senior Hurling team in October of 2023: “The New York Hurling team is a home away from home. When you’re surrounded by people who have the same personality, passion, and drive as you, along with the same end goal in sight, it makes living abroad that bit easier.”
The former Clare footballer credited the team’s management with bonding the panel together: “It takes time and effort to click together. It’s definitely difficult having to form a team and learn each others’ playing skills, particularly when the panel consists of players on different visas. Nonetheless, our managers ensured that we worked hard and inputted a strong work ethic and commitment level.”
The GAA in New York provides routine and structure in The City That Never Sleeps, along with staying in touch with the Irish heritage.
O’Dea is grateful for the GAA community. The Clare man described the GAA as a very welcoming space, especially while living abroad.
Proving their worth
The New York panel had an impressive debut in 2023, where they departed as Connacht Hurling League Shield champions. Following this achievement, the team continued to work towards developing their impact on Connacht hurling.
The dedication and commitment to playing for New York is evident with the panel’s consistent commitment to dedicating their time and effort to playing the sport of their heritage, all while representing their new home, New York. Several of the players commute over an hour to Gaelic Park in the Bronx three times a week, while balancing full-time work.
The Final Hurl
Committed to departing crowned as Connacht Hurling League champions, the New York Hurlers achieved their end goal upon their return to the University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome.
Easing into the semi-final following a 4-27 to 1-14 win over Leitrim, the panel continued to show their strength with an impressive full-time score of 1-27 to 1-16 over Galway. The 11 point victory secured the New York hurlers’ place in the final against Mayo.
Determined to return to New York City as champions, The Irish Expats held up a strong front in the final game from start to finish. The New Yorkers hit the ground running with Martin Cullen securing the first point for the team within minutes of the starting whistle.
David Mangan also secured points for New York along with Aidan Organ, which advanced the team to a half-time leading score of 0-14 to 1-02 over Mayo.
Maintaining their strong front, the second half of the final game saw instant goal from Martin Cullen, followed by another goal for the New Yorkers by Ger McPartland. New York fans were ecstatic as they watched AJ Willis and Evan Deegan secure two of the final points for the team. The full-time whistle blew, finalizing New York’s 10 point victory over Mayo. The final scoreboard read an impressive 2-25 for New York, with 2-12 for Mayo.
As 2024 Connacht Hurling League Champions, the New York Hurlers mark a historic development for GAA in New York, and are potentially one step closer to achieving their goal as contenders in the Lory Meagher Championship.