Last weekend in Gaelic Park Chicago, Raleigh GAA competed in the 2015 North American Championships. This was the club’s 4th nationals and we sent our biggest contingent so far which was a huge achievement for the club – 31 individuals made the trip, representing the club in Gaelic Football (Junior A), Hurling (Junior B), Ladies Football (our ladies played with Charlotte B) and Camogie (our ladies played with DC Gaels). The games were played in searing heat (95 degrees!) but despite this all players gave great effort and acquitted themselves superbly.
Mens Hurling
Raleigh kicked off the weekend with an 8am junior B hurling quarter final vs the Barley House Wolves from Concord, new Hampshire. It was the first ever Raleigh hurling game at nationals and the first half did not disappoint. Despite playing against physically imposing opponents (all national guardsmen!), Raleigh’s defense repelled most advances. A goal each by Enda Wiseman and Ed Quinn (1st ever American to score a hurling goal for Raleigh at nationals!) meant that the half time score read 2-3 Raleigh to Concord’s 1-3. Stoutly marshaled by goalkeeper Dara O’Hannaidh, defenders Sean Kennedy, Justin Pini, Steve Shannon, Chris Cox and Mike Duffey, Raleigh were able to keep their opponents to only 4 scores at the half. The second half saw Concord take the upper hand. Aided by a number of soft frees, Concord soon took the lead. Despite the continued best efforts of the afore mentioned goalkeeper and defense, midfielders Joe Nett and JP Griffin (both of whom scored the best points of the game), forwards Aaron Rock, Enda Wiseman, Dermot McElhennon, Jack Foley, Ed Quinn and subs Nick Holmes (aka Ed Sheerin), Eric Coughlin, Conor Ennis,
Concord ran out eventual winners 1-13 to 2-5.
Raleigh did also play in the shield game the following day vs a much stronger (and rested) San Diego side. Raleigh played without its dual players for the most part and ended up losing to the deserving opponents.
A big thanks to John McNeily who managed the team during the weekend and who has been the lifeblood of the hurling team since day 1. Having so many players play hurling in a national championships is something to be very proud of.
Mens Gaelic Football
The mens team were playing at the Junior A level for the very first time (after winning the Junior B championship in 2014) and were matched against our local neighbors and rivals Charlotte in the quarter finals. Unfortunately, it was a step too far for the Raleigh team, which was curtailed by injuries to key players. Charlotte quickly moved into a lead which they were not to relinquish. The highlight of the half was a beauty of a goal from Mark Mitchell. Charlotte won out 4-13 to 1-4.
That was not the end of the journey though as Raleigh was provided a lifeline a few hours after this game. One of the other semi finalists from Boston failed to show up, so Raleigh were offered the opportunity to play against the home Chicago side Padraig Pearses. Despite having less than 24 hours rest and some players playing their 3rd or 4th games in 2 days, Raleigh got off to a flying start. Roaring into 0-3 to 0-1 lead, Raleigh played a selfless passing game against their more rested and lauded opponents. However, Pearses roared back into the game with a number of goals which burst the Raleigh balloon. Raleigh’s legs gave way in the 2nd half but the effort did not. This was rewarded by a battler’s goal by ‘big cat’ Justin Pini. Pearses won the game 4-10 to 1-5.
All players that played football during the weekend deserve a lot of credit for the effort displayed: (in no particular order)
Graham Fordham, Robbie Huggins, Jack Foley, Tim Cronin, Peter Capozziello, Enda Wiseman, Kyle Kelly, Steve Shannon, Sean Kennedy, Dara O’hAnnaidh, Justin Pini, Dermot McElhennon, Sven Johnson, Colin Keenan
Chris Cox, Mark Mitchell, John Paul Griffin, Stephen Byrne, Joe Nett, Nick Holmes, Aaron Rock and Michael Duffey.
Thanks to manager Eddie Foley for co-ordinating and motivating this bunch of merry men over the weekend. It may seem like a thankless job but everyone in the club appreciates the job that you do!
Ladies Football and Camogie
This year 4 ladies from Raleigh travelled to play ladies football and Camogie at Nationals. Ann Scheunemann, Sarah Mills, Stacy Shields, Debbie Foley and Mia Jafari all made the long trip up (special shout to Ann and Mia who drove the 28 hour round trip!!). All performed very well for their adopted teams, Charlotte (ladies football) and DC Gaels(Camogie) respectively. Unfortunately their teams met a similar fate as the mens teams. Charlotte B ended up losing to Baltimore while DC lost in the Camogie to Chicago. All deserve get credit for keeping the ladies games alive and for setting a standard and role models for hopefully many more Raleigh GAA ladies players in the future!
Already looking forward to Seattle in 2016!
#DriveOnRaleigh
