It had been six months since Hoboken Guards Camogie was born, touching hurling sod for the first time ever on the soft forgiving grass of the Rockland GAA in Pearl River, NY. The annual Mary Cosgrove 7s Hurling & Camogie Tournament saw Jane McCooey – Hoboken Camogie Captain & Founder – lead her team past St. Brigids/Rockland, Baltimore and Washington DC, to the final. The day was October 11, 2014.

Hoboken fell by a handful of points to a talented and sturdy Toronto contingent that rainy day, but the loss didn’t matter to the St. Patrick’s Camogie-trained McCooey. (pictured, left, with her fella, Michael McGuinness).

With no adult camogie team in existence between Philadelphia and Boston for years, Jane’s mind, heading down the Palisades back home to Hoboken, was on the task of planting more seeds, recruiting and growing Hoboken Camogie’s roster beyond its founding dozen. The fastest game on grass had come to Hoboken in the 1850s, reborn in 2010, and now the Guards officially offer a women’s hurling program.

The spine of Hoboken Camogie – AKA ladies hurling – formed at basic skills hurling training for men and women in Hoboken last fall. The helping hands of McCooey’s friends and teammates included Niamh Tierney (Vice Captain), Michelle Hackett, Niamh Long, Sophie Colgan, CJ Leonard, Laura Brennan, Maria McManus, Emily Mullan Harrington and Caitlin Friel…many of whom double as Manhattan Gaels footballers. From emails and phone calls, to Facebook friend requests, and through her dual-GAA status as a Gaels footballer, girls new to hurling and others skilled with the stick made their way to 1600 Park Ave Field, Hoboken’s Hurling Field of Dreams. The enlistment of Lady Guards had begun.

Last Saturday morning, following a handful of Spring Tuesday night training sessions, Hoboken Camogie kicked off its first full season with a trek down 95 in a chartered bus to Maryland. Fifteen Hoboken Camogs made the journey, and as many couldn’t make the trip. The little lawyer from Armagh – “Wee Jane” as she is lovingly called by her inner circle – schooled at University College Dublin and Cambridge, has proved an adept harvester of the recruitment seeds she planted.

“April 18 is a very proud day for Hoboken Guards Camogie” said McCooey, who played for Eire Og in Boston a few years ago and most recently St. Mary’s of Chicago. “To think that, after training having just kicked off a few weeks ago, we had such a large squad of girls make the journey down to Baltimore to not only compete, but to heroically win against two teams that have been competing for several years in the NACB championships is exceptional!” said McCooey. “We have been encouraging as many beginners and experienced players as possible to come out and play camogie. We started training this season with our ambitions set very high.”

The Guards captured both of its first two matches of the 2015 season against a joint, talented contingent of Washington DC Gaels and host Baltimore Bohemians on a cloudless day in Baltimore. The two squads played a friendly pair of 13-a-side affairs, 30 minutes per-match, with Manhattan Gaels men’s Gaelic football team joining the excursion to face the same teams in big ball action.

Hoboken Camogie captured its first match, 3-4 (13) to 1-1 (4) despite pacy midfield play, good stick work, defensive marking and back-line ball clearance from host DC/Baltimore. As the temperature climbed to 80 in the second match, Hoboken came into its own with a 7-1 final score in the second match (all points).

Niamh Cunningham played brilliantly in goals as the keeper for Hoboken’s first match, blocking a well-struck, high-goal scoring chance before the close of the first half. Cunningham, who as a couple other Hoboken camogs hadn’t touched a hurley in a decade since U14 club play, showed a sound puckout, feeding midfielders Michelle Hackett and Laura Brennan.

Brennan put on a how-to clinic winning both low and high balls, weaving and evading through capable defenders, netting two goals and two points in the opening match, most off play. Balancing out the Guards scoring attack was McCooey, who notched 1-2 in the opener utilizing the wings, stretching defenders, creating space and proving she’s not only the organizer, but one gifted hurler.

The winning effort wouldn’t have been possible without superb marking and continual ball clearance from fullback Helena Coughlin and centerback Niamh Tierney. Brianna Ziegler, 19, in only her second match ever, played next to Coughlin in the fullback line both matches, made an immediate impression on her teammates and the opposition. The Kean University commercial recreation & sports management major contested each ball, demonstrating speed and toughness. Ziegler hurls for NJ’s lone collegiate hurling team, Kean Galloglass Hurling Club, and trains with both Kean and Hoboken.

With the above mentioned backs, Hoboken’s defenders warded off continual attacks from Casey Troy & Co of Baltimore/DC.

Ziegler who played boy’s football at Newton High School in Newton NJ, said immediately after the matches pointedly “I love hurling. I’m going to play this, do this forever. ”

“I’m thrilled to be a part of Hurling’s growth in America,” Ziegler added. “It’s such an amazing sport where I can learn and be a part of Irish culture, meeting fascinating people along the way.”

Field hockey converts Meg Meehan, an American-born forward, and Kerry McGinley made impressive debuts, fearlessly first to the ball on several occasions during both matches. McGinley had only dabbled in camogie as a youngster in Tyrone. After several weeks of training with her new mates, McGinley considers camogie a “faster, more skilled game requiring more focus than field hockey or football.” Her heart is still with Gaelic football, but “hurling is catching up as fast as the game itself!”

CJ Leonard ably managed the net for the second match, jumping into the forward line for the last half of the day’s competition. A couple of position changes allowed McGinley and Helen Downes a chance to explore new roles in midfield and forward, respectively.

“So many positives to take from Saturday,” commented McGinley. “I think we played well as a team and worked well from defense out. I loved the experience and can’t wait to the next game and the North American Tournament.”

Showing adeptness advancing the ball in the half forward line to Ashling O’Callahan was Downes, another pacy Manhattan Gael footballer. Coming off the reserves were total hurling newcomers Tara Brennan and Lorna Smith, both contributing handy touches and grace despite never hurling before in their competitive lives.

Forward O’Callahan won countless balls under pressure in her domain – the 35 and in range – turning and battling through tight defense. Utilizing her steps and letting loose quality strikes on the uprights, O’Callahan may have only netted a point on the day but her unlucky handful of wide attempts will prove as valuable target practice over time. The tireless forward provided non-stop pressure to DC/Baltimore’s backline, from the first throw-in till the last whistle, forcing the defense to stick tight to the handy hurler.

Troy, DC Gaels veteran captain, said that DC and Baltimore are accustomed to playing each other throughout the season. Thus, it was “a lot of fun this time around to combine forces to face Hoboken,” said Troy.

“Secondly, I am ecstatic to see a Hoboken camogie team up and running! I know how hard they’ve worked at recruiting and training, and to see them bring a squad that’s bigger than ours–well it makes me jealous, ha–but it also makes me enthusiastic for the future of camogie in the States.”

To Tierney, an underage Killimordally Camogie member growing up in Galway, educated at Mary Immaculate College (Limerick) who also these days call the Mile Square City of Hoboken her home – the “most fantastic” part of Hoboken’s Baltimore trip was “witnessing all the new players getting stuck in not a bother on them,” said Tierney. “These are girls who’ve never played before and who are just learning so fair play to them!

“In addition, Baltimore just highlighted that we have the bones of something great, the potential is unreal and it’s definitely exciting,” Tierney added.

Hoboken Camogie’s Next Competition
Hoboken’s next competition – its first ever on the friendly turf confines of Sinatra Park and in New Jersey in general – will take place May 16th as part of the 4th Annual Hoboken Irish Fest.

According to McCooey, Hoboken Camogie have lots to work ahead of them and a long way to go before competing in the NACB Championship Tournament in Chicago. As is the writer of this article, Jane is “so proud of everyone and of our camogie club.” “I am so happy with the dedication and passion that everyone exhibited on Saturday, and indeed continue to demonstrate week-on-week at training,” McCooey added.

Hoboken Camogie is registered in the 2015 North American County Board Championships, which will take place this September in Chicago and will face teams from across the country, while Manhattan Gaels are registered in the New York County Board and will play against New York-based clubs.

Follow Hobokenhurling.com and on Facebook for match updates, player profiles and club events – open to all fans – and http://www.gaanewyork.com/

The Lady Guards train every Tuesday night, 8:15-9:50 pm, at 1600 Park Ave. Field in Hoboken. Complete newcomers to the game are invited to join our novices in learning the basic skills of the greatest game on earth. Email hobokenhurling@gmail.com

Hoboken’s men’s hurling team train during the same time slot each Thursday night, 8;15-9:50 pm, 1600 Park Ave Field. First-time hurlers and converts from all sports are warmly encouraged to join us, as basic skills lessons will be offered to newcomers.

Photography by future hurler Jessica Bal.

HOBOKEN GUARDS ROSTER vs. BALTIMORE/DC
Niamh Cunningham
CJ Leonard
Brianna Ziegler
Helena Coughlan
Niamh Tierney
Helen Downes
Laura Brennan
Michelle Hackett
Kerri McGinley
Tara Brennan
Jane McCooey
Meg Meehan
Ashling O’Callahan
Lorna Smith
Emily Harrington
Sara Flavin

BALTIMORE/DC:
Lucy Prendeville (Balt.)
Kathleen Collins (Balt.)
Maura O’Neill (Balt.)
Kat Joyner (Balt.)
Caitlin Doolin (Balt.)
Amy Bornman (Balt.)
Becca Levetzow (DC)
Bridget McCarthy (DC)
Casey Troy (DC)
Colleen McCartney (DC)
Janet Piston (DC)
Jennifer Lehane (DC)
Stefanie Brady (DC)

CONCERN 4-MILE SPRING RUN: SAT., APRIL 11
Support Hoboken Guards Hurler Sophie Colgan by running on the team led by our own *NY Rose of Tralee hopeful, through Central Park this Saturday! Or, if you can’t make the run, a donation to Concern would equally be appreciated! Race starts 9:30 am.

In supporting Sophie’s effort – by running on her team or via a donation – you will benefit Concern’s many programs for those living in extreme poverty. From the tall Newry & Mourne-born hurler herself:
“The more support and people I bring the more fun it will be, so if any of you guys and girls fancy a wee 4 mile run JOIN MY TEAM please. And if you cant, a small donation would be much obliged! Be a nice day and a bit of fun and bring along friends! The more the merrier – be some craic if the other contenders see some craic we’re running with hurls through the park!”

*The winner of the New York Rose of Tralee (hopefuls pictured, left) will represent the Irish American community and New York as she competes for the “International Rose of Tralee” title with other candidates from all over the world.

INAUGURAL USA SCOR/GAA COMPETITION: SAT. APRIL 11
Scor Sinsear will take place in Gaelic Park this coming Saturday, April 11th at 7pm. This is the first time that Adult Scor – a GAA competition that combines all the colour and rivalry of Gaelic Games with the social/fun element of Ireland’s traditional past-times – has taken place in North America.

Approximately 30 entries from eight NYGAA club’s competing against each other are on tap in this fun event featuring Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Instrumental Music, Figure Dancing, Set Dancing, Recitation and a Novelty Act division. Food is available for purchase, the bar at Gaelic Park is open and a chipper truck will be serving delightful chips!

From SCOR NY organizer Lorna Smith: “There is serious practicing going on from the Dugout Bar to the New York Irish Center, houses in Maspeth and up and down Katonah Avenue. Make sure to come along, it will be great fun for the entire family. Adults $20, children under 17 free. Aogán Ó Fearghail President of the GAA will be there on this memorable night to present medals. Looking forward to seeing you all there!”

TUESDAY NIGHT LADIES TRAINING (4/14), THURSDAY NIGHT LADS TRAINING (4/16)
Female and male hurlers age 16 & older are encouraged to join Hoboken Guards team members at 1600 Park Ave. fields for 815-10 PM training on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Both sessions are led by experienced Hoboken Guards team managers, hurling captains and certified coaches.

*1st-Time hurlers are encouraged to partake in Tuesday nights session as Thursday’s sessions are intended for hurlers with at least six months of basic skills training under their respective belt.

The long, harsh winter and wait is críochnaithe. Finished! Over!

Hoboken Guards Hurling & Camogie Club commence weekly training for the 2015 season this week, starting with New Jersey’s first-ever ladies hurling team, tonight at 8:15 PM.

First-time cross-over athletes from all sports are welcome to our club just as experienced hurlers. Training is focused on the basics, fitness, teamwork and skills development for all standards of attendees of all cultures to learn and play Ireland’s national sport together in the Hoboken Guards red, black and white.

Both female and male members of Hoboken Guards Hurling Club train at 1600 Park Ave Field in Hoboken, located a convenient 10-minute bus ride from NY Port Authority Bus Terminal. See below for directions to the field.

Ladies train Tuesday nights March through October, 8:15-9:45 PM. Our permit allows us on the field 8:30-10 PM.
Our male hurlers train Thursday nights March through October 8-10PM. Our permit allows us on the field 8-10 PM.

Hurlers are expected to bring with them to each training:
*Water
*Weather-appropriate workout gear
*Soccer cleats (known as “boots” in Irish speak)
*Willingness to make new friends, learn the game and make mistakes
*A fair amount of bravery
*Any hurling equipment you have and wish to use

Hurleys (sticks) and sliotars (balls) will be available to utilize at training sessions for newcomers and returning hurlers without a hurley at the moment, however each hurler should own his or her own personal hurley and ball.

Are you not on the email list serve for training & event reminders?
Please email: hobokenhurling@gmail.com for men and hobokencamogie@gmail.com for women.

Who is Eligible to train and/or compete with the Guards?
Anyone 16 and older, cleared for physical workout activity.

Like and follow our club on our Facebook page here, and don’t forget to sign up for our 5th Annual Pub Crawl & Hurler auction, fast approaching on April 4! Sign up on the facebook page and invite your friends to our low-cost, annual pre-season party complete with Irish ceili band in tow at each bar, drink specials, food and the best time of your life. No joking here, it’s not your average lame t-shirt affiliated pub crawl.

Gals we’ll see you Tuesday nights, lads Thursdays, and we’ll bring everyone in the Mile Square City together April 4. #HobokenCommunity #GrowingTheGreatestGame

BUS DIRECTIONS to HOBOKEN 1600 PARK AVE FIELD
-Enter Port Authority Bus Terminal between 40th & 41st street
-Head to back of station, use the loads of ticket boots or the machines.
-Get a return ticket for the 126 bus, Zone 2 to Hoboken ($3.20 each way).
(They will not accept cash on the bus, so need to get a ticket beforehand.)
-Head upstairs to Gate 204, and there should be a stream of 126 buses.
-When on bus, 10 min. journey will bring you through the tunnel and over the bridge connecting West NY and Hoboken, our field is immediately on the left.
-The stop is 15th street & Willow Avenue & is usually called out on the bus.

PATH TRAIN TO HOBOKEN
-After arriving at Hoboken PATH terminal, walk upstairs to the waiting cabs or, walk to Washington St. and take either uptown to 15th and Willow!

Hoboken’s finest male and female athletes will step onto the auction block highlighting the Fifth Annual Hoboken Guards Hurling Club Pub Crawl.

Contrary to what many may think hurling is, this is the centuries-old national sport of Ireland, also referred to as the fastest, most skilled field sport on the planet.

Our club of 40 lads and 30 ladies invites and encourages lovers of good times, all sports and our Hoboken community for a great late afternoon/evening with the Guards. Live traditional Irish music will keep the crowd moving at each location in celebration of true Irish culture!

Hoboken Guards Pub Crawl Timeline:
2:30 PM: The Dubliner | 96 River St.
5 PM: Mulligans | 159 1st St. | Food served at 5 PM for attendees to enjoy!
6:30 PM: The Shannon | 106 1st St. | Live Player Auction Starts at 7 PM SHARP!

A wrist band will get you specials at each participating bar. You can preorder your wrist band here to save time on pub crawl day.

The “Win a Date With Your Favorite Hurler” auction starts at 7 pm and allows local guys and gals the chance to bid on 15 of our top prized stud athletes (all in their 20s and 30s) – mirroring the number of players on the hurling “pitch” (or field) for one team at a time. Each hurler carries a gift certificate to a Hoboken or New York restaurant or business. Bidding starts at $20.00 per gift certificate-carrying athlete.

It is the choice of the winning bidder whether or not the bidder wishes to use the gift certificate for themselves or bring the sporting guy or gal along for the date.

This primary fundraiser for the Hoboken Guards allows our rapidly expanding club to fund our three competitive teams (Men’s first and second team and ladies camogie team), pay league insurance, registration fees, team equipment, travel and other related club expenses for the 2015 year.

The annual pub crawl each spring serves as a pre-season kick off for New Jersey’s lone hurling club. The Guards compete in the NYGAA junior hurling division season, which runs May through late August. For the first time in New Jersey state history, the Garden State will have a ladies hurling team represented in 2015. Under the organizing of Hoboken residents Jane McCooey and Niamh Tierney, Hoboken Camogie is entering the North American Championships in 2015, to be played in Chicago this year. With 30 girls already signed up, the club are in need of funds to pay for jerseys, helmets, equipment and all the start-up costs to get off the ground. Your presence will help get them to Chicago and representing Hoboken on a national scale!

Click here to order your wrist band and raffle tickets today.

Hoboken Guards Proposal for Junior B/Hurling Newcomer League
Based out of Gaelic Park or Hoboken’s Riverfront Sinatra Park

Invited Teams: HOBOKEN B | ROCKLAND | JERSEY SHORE GAA | SHANNON GAELS | KEAN HURLING | UCONN HURLING | ALLENTOWN HURLING | PROVIDENCE COLLEGE HURLING

*League Day* on a Sat. or Sun. in late May, each JHB team plays one another the same day during 30 minute abbreviated matches (15 minute halves). Mandatory 9 a-side, plan for 13 a side.
*Semifinal Day* on a Saturday in mid June | #1 Seed plays 4, 2 plays 3 in full 60 minute competitions, mandatory 11 a-side, plan for 13 a side.
* Championship Jr B Final Day* on either a Saturday or Sunday in July. Mandatory 11 a side, plan for 13 per side.
* Junior B players can draft up to NYGAA Junior A Hurling teams.
* Player Eligibility No Sanction Players Allowed. This league is intended to allow new-to-the-game or minor board trained local area athletes to compete in competitive hurling championship competition. Irish born athletes will not be discriminated against, however no more than two Irish born hurlers are allowed on the field at one time per team, and none of these players can be Sr. or Intermediate level.
* Considering the long distance between the Jersey Shore area and Gaelic Park, it is not feasible for JSGAA hurling to play a weekday league out of Gaelic Park. Three weekend days based in Gaelic Park or Hoboken would be more feasible.

The birthplace of baseball and Frank Sinatra will host the best party of the holiday season on Saturday, December 13 when the Hoboken Guards Hurling Club come together for an exciting fundraiser.

Area residents, local and state community organizations are all encouraged to join our growing community sports club for what will be a fun festive night of live music, open bar and full buffet at the Hoboken Elks Lodge (1005 Washington St).

Our club heads into our fifth year of existence in 2015, and we can’t operate without the support of residents of Hoboken and the greater New Jersey and New York area.

Hurling is a centuries old field sport known for being the “fastest game on grass” and for being a pre-cursor to ice and field hockey. It is now experiencing massive growth across all continents and the US.

The Hoboken Guards take their name from the Kenmare Guards of Kerry who played a match in Hoboken on St. Patrick’s Day in 1858.

The McLean Avenue Band will headline the event which will also include a 50/50 raffle, player awards and the launch of Hoboken Camogie.

We hope you will join us for what is shaping up to be a special night as we continue spreading the greatest game on earth – and Irish culture with it – to the Garden State!

Hoboken is a short car, train or bus ride from most municipalities in central and Northern NJ, conveniently connected to both bus and PATH train lines. Please click here for the Hoboken Elks Lodge address/map.

Dress Code: Suit & tie for lads, ladies dress accordingly!

Easiest Way to Pay: We are utilizing an electronic method for payment, located  here: https://www.payitsquare.com/collect-page/55202 You can pay with Credit Card or PayPal. Once you pay, your name will be assigned a ticket that can be picked up on the day of the event or at the door.

Questions about the event? Direct them to this e-mail guardsparty@gmail.com

Facebook event sign-up:
https://www.facebook.com/events/747707185300518/

Tomorrow at 11:15 a.m. members of the Hoboken Guards Hurling Team will rally at the establishment where our club was formed four years ago and has since served as de facto headquarters; Mulligan’s Bar, 159 First St.

We’re headed to New York’s historic Gaelic Park in search of our first New York Gaelic Athletic Association Hurling Championship, and we’re opening the door inviting the Hoboken and area community to  join us on the free bus to experience the fastest, most skilled game. Come support your home town sports team, your state hurling warriors battle for championship glory!

2014 Final Poster (1)

Time/Location of Departure: 11:30 a.m. SHARP, Sunday 8/24, 159 First St., Hoboken NJ. If you would like to reserve seats on the bus, please email hobokenhurling@gmail.com. Space is available!

Destination: 100-year-old Gaelic Park, 4000 Corlear Ave. at Manhattan College, Riverdale NY.

Pit Stop: The bus will make one brief stop at 42nd & 10th on Manhattan’s midtown west side to scoop up our Gotham resident hurlers and fans.

Anticipated Return Time: We anticipate leaving the park no later than 6 p.m., arriving in Hoboken prior to 7 p.m.

Field Gate Charge: $10 per adult | $5 for seniors | 18 & Under FREE

The Match: Hoboken, 2nd seeded in the championship, will face Ulster in a re-match of the 2013 Final. Ulster topped Hoboken by one point last year, scoring the winning point in the final minute of competition, sending the Guards over the GWB with our third straight New York Hurling Final defeat.

Food Options: The grill at Gaelic Park will be open serving burgers, hot dogs, fish & chips and Irish sandwiches, with water, iced teas and sodas. We reckon  the big old pub at the edge of the field will be open and beers/libations will be available for purchase. If requiring energy before stepping on the bus en route to the park, nearby quick Hoboken shops including The Bagel Smashery next door to Mulligan’s should do the job.

#SuperGAASunday Lineup: Our brother club across the Hudson Roiver, Manhattan Gaels, open the day’s competition at 1 p.m. in their second-straight New York GAA Final appearance. Here is the slate of games for tomorrow:

1pm: Junior Football Final | Donegal v Manhattan Gaels
2:30pm: Junior Hurling Final | HOBOKEN v. ULSTER
4pm: Senior Football Semi: Cavan v Monaghan
5:30pm: Senior Football Semi: Cork v Kerry

For those don’t know where our team draws its colors from and why we carry the name “The Guards”, it was a tribe of 30 immigrants from a famine-starved region of Kerry, called Kenmare – translated means “Little Nest” – who, having ferried over from their Five Points dwelling at the time, played the first organized hurling in New Jersey history…one of the first reported Clashes of the Ash in America, on St. Patrick’s Day in 1858. This match, thirty years before the GAA was formed officially in Ireland, was played just up the road from First Street, on the same field where baseball was born to the world.

For the increasing number of non-Irish born Americans who know the sport of hurling and live in the area, our supporters who know the game, and curious first-timers interested to see what this is all about…we hope to see you at Mulligans,  159 First St. Hoboken tomorrow at 11:15 a.m. Our lads have been working hard for several months to get back to this match, to bring all of their training and dedication to their hometown club, in the hope of returning over the GWB with Hoboken’s first-ever Gaelic Athletic Association Championship.

Black and red face-paint suggested for all bus-riders!

#HOBOKENABU

This Thursday night, July 24, at Doolan’s Shore Club in Spring Lake NJ, the newly formed Jersey Shore Gaelic Athletic Association will host an evening of music and celebration in an effort to build a sporting community of hurlers, Gaelic footballers and supporters in Monmouth and Ocean County.

The JSGAA, led by Brielle resident Mary Beth Glaccum and Stephen Kilgallon of Dublin, are calling on athletes of all ages and cultures, coaches, and sponsors to lend their support with their attendance.

The official event time is 7-10 p.m. Your ticket includes a three-hour open bar (beer & wine), hor’dourves and entertainment which includes the live trad session duo Amy Beshara & Max Carmichael. The raffle includes autographed hurleys & sliotars, official O’Neill’s Jerseys and BonJovi tickets! Price is $50 per person in advance, $60 at the door. For those under 21 attending, a discounted rate of $20.00 per person is offered.

Your official evite invitation is here. Online early-bird registration is here. The Facebook event page for the Jersey Shore GAA Formation Social is here. Spread word & invite friends as New Jersey’s fourth active GAA club takes form! St. Joseph’s Gaelic Football Club (Fairlawn, Bergen Co., NJ) formed in 1971; Hoboken Guards Hurling Club (Hoboken, Hudson Co., NJ) formed in 2010; Kean University Hurling Club (Union Twp., Union Co., NJ) formed in 2014.

As members of the Hoboken Guards and any community-based sports team or club know, this initial club fundraiser is critically important to pay for club insurance, equipment and uniforms.

Gear items include: a Dublin GAA jersey, signed by the entire team & manager of the 2013 All-Ireland Football winners; a Singapore men’s GAA jersey; a Wicklow ladies GAA jersey; Australia GAA girls jersey; autographed hurleys by the Hoboken Guards Hurling Club; and much more!

Can’t make it? Please consider a ticket purchase even if you can’t come…It will go to JSGAA start-up costs!

Hoboken Guards 2014 NYGAA Schedule & Results

6/1: Waterford 4-18 Hoboken 3-7

6/9: Hoboken 4-15 Shannon Gaels 0-7

6/16: Hoboken 2-14 Ulster 1-16

6/27: Hoboken 6-17 Bronx 0-7

7/12: Hoboken 5-10 Waterford 3-9 (Match Report)

7/30:  Hoboken vs. Bronx | 6:30 PM

8/3: Hoboken vs. Shannon Gaels | 11:30 AM

8/4: Hoboken vs. Ulster | 6:30 PM

8/9: New York GAA Junior Hurling Semifinals

8/24: New York GAA JH Championship Final

All matches are played at New York GAA’s Gaelic Park, celebrates its 100th Centenary Year throughout 2014. Gaelic Park is located at the foot of Manhattan College, 4000 Corlear Ave., Riverdale NY. For directions to Gaelic Park, click here.

Children 17 & under enter free of charge. Adults $5 Monday through Saturday; $10.00 Sunday. Senior citizen discount offered.

The New York Gaelic Athletic Association Hurling season kicks off this Sunday, June 1st, as  our fourth-year Hoboken Guards  Hurling Club squares off with newly-created Waterford Hurling in a Junior Division showdown.  Throw-in (Irish for “Game Time”) is 2:30 PM.

Sign up on the official Facebook game page for a chance to win a team autographed Hoboken Hurling sliotar (ball)!

SUNDAY 6/1: BIG SLATE OF GAMES @ GAELIC PARK:
* 11:30 AM | Ladies Football | Cavan vs Na Fianna
* 1 PM | Ladies Football | Fermanagh vs Kerry/Donegal
* 2:30 PM | JR. HURLING | WATERFORD V. HOBOKEN
* 4 PM | Senior Football | Donegal v. Kerry
* 5:30 PM | Senior Football | Cavan v. Leitrim

HURLING MATCH DETAILS:
*Two, thirty-minute halves
*10 minute halftime
*Full Irish-sized (140 yard) turf field.

GATE DETAILS:
* Adults: $10 pp | Seniors: $5 pp | Kids 18 & Under: FREE

DIRECTIONS TO GAELIC PARK:
http://www.gojaspers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=640204

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The City of Hoboken invites all residents and visitors to the 3rd Annual Irish Cultural Festival on Saturday, June 7th from noon to 6pm at Sinatra Park, located on the Hoboken waterfront near 4th Street. The event is free and features Irish music, food, beer, vendors, dance, sports, and other activities for all ages.

Hoboken Hurler & Hoboken Resident Paul Loughnan Instructs Children During the 2012 Hoboken Irish Fest

Participants interested in competing in the Irish soda bread competition should contact Geri Fallo at gfallo@hobokennj.gov or 201-420-2207.

McClean Avenue Band Headlines Music Offerings of 3rd Annual Hoboken Irish Fest 6/7 on Hudson River Waterfront

The festival will feature musical performances by McLean Avenue Band and local favorites Gold n Brown, with dance performances by the Garden Street Irish Step Dancers of Hoboken, Emerald Fire and the Kerri Smith Academy of Irish Dance of Jersey City.

At noon, the City will celebrate the completion of the reconstruction of Sinatra Field with a friendly “Irish” vs. “Italian” soccer match, and the Hoboken Guards Hurling Club will put Ireland’s 3000-year-old pastime—the world’s fastest, most skilled field sport—on display during an inter-squad exhibition match for area residents to enjoy.

Hoboken Guards Will Offer Hoboken Irish Fest Attendees An Inter-Squad Match to Remember on Newly Renovated Riverfront Sinatra Soccer Field

Hurling was played on St. Patrick’s Day in 1858 on the same baseball-born Elysian Fields in Hoboken by immigrant survivors of the famine from County Kerry, Ireland, who lived in New York City’s Five Points region.

Hoboken Guards will also lead a fun, hands-on youth and first-time hurler clinic for attendees — males and females of all ages and cultures. Following the beginner’s clinic, officially licensed O’Neill’s club gear will be among the top prizes for the on-field “Longest Strike” and “Fastest Lad/Lady Across the Field” competitions at the newly renovated Sinatra Field on the Hudson River.

Check back with hobokenhurling.com and the City of Hoboken’s Irish Festival Facebook Event Page for an hourly breakdown of match times, youth/first-time hurler clinic & attendee competitions.

The event will also feature sheep shearing demonstrations, fiber spinning, and vendors with Irish clothing and crafts. For children, the event will include face painting, craft activities, pony rides, a petting zoo, trackless train, horse drawn carriage, moonwalk, sand art, balloon artist, and obstacle course.

“June 7th on the majestic Hoboken Waterfront is the perfect opportunity for non Irish born local area residents to get an up-close look at this great sport, bringing Irish culture to the vibrant, young professional community of the Mile Square City,” said Hoboken Guards Chairman & Co-Founder David Cosgrove. “With our long-awaited and greatly appreciated training field space granted through the City of Hoboken, the Guards thank Health and Human Services Director of Hoboken Leo Pellegrini and Mayor Dawn Zimmer for their continued support of our club as we enter our fourth year of competition in the New York GAA Hurling Championship.”

Hoboken Guards Events Committee members James Egan, Jim Herron, Stephen Bourke and John Martyn ask all of the Irish American professional/business, social and cultural organizations in the New York and New Jersey area to “please let your members know of the June 7th Hoboken Irish Fest – via social media, email list serve and word of mouth,” in a press statement from the committee. “In order for the event to continue on its successful attendance of the previous years, we hope you will consider joining us in New Jersey’s home of hurling as we grow the sport on the bank of the Hudson River to residents of all cultural backgrounds.”

Representatives from the tri-state area’s newest Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs, Jersey Shore GAA and Kean Hurling Club, will be present and offer information tables as part of a New Jersey Gaelic Athletic Association developing alliance with assistance from Hoboken Guards leadership.

A supporter of the Hoboken Guards since its first legally questionable training session on Pier A Park, Steve Lenox, Co-President ofIrish Network USA spoke of Hoboken’s long and storied history “as a destination for generations of Irish to call home,” stated Lenox. “As Irish Network USA, through our NJ chapter, continues to seek ways to further strengthen bonds between the US and Ireland, Irish and Irish American communities like the one that still exists in Hoboken play a key role,” he added. “We are excited to be part of this Festival and look forward to celebrating our shared love for Ireland in this way.”

Traditional Irish step-dancing, performed here by Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, will take place again at 3rd Annual Hoboken Irish Fest

Hoboken resident Joey Sobolov (photo) took his first swing at hurling at the 1st Annual Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival's youth clinic in 2012. Now age 12, if he's up for it, Joey has the opportunity to be entered in the 3th Annual Hoboken Irish Cultural Fest's "Longest Youth Strike" or "Fastest Across the Field" Attendee Competitions

The newly renovated Sinatra Park Field is home the Hoboken Guards and will host the 12pm-6pm Gaelic games festivities at the 3rd Annual Hoboken Irish Festival on June 7th