The day was a scorcher.  94 actual degrees but 100 with the heat index.  We started with Camogie.  It was the girls vs. boys.  From the first throw-in, the women fought hard in the heat.  By the final whistle, however, it was the men who came out on top.

    Next it was the annual Old vs. Young matchup.  If there is a game every year that has more pride at stake, I know not of it.  The crafty veterans used their wiles to trick and limp their way on top of the scoreboard.  But the young would not go quietly.  When it was all said and done, the kids had notched their first victory in the 5 year history of the match.

    Then it was the finalé.  J. McGraughs Celtics and Tower Pub Crusaders had switched spots atop the leader board all season long.  Tower came in as underdogs as the season matchup between the two had the Celtics ahead by a game.  Everyone expected the game of the century...and it turned out to be.  The high scoring affair had Tower up early and often.  The Crusaders had the good fortune of a fast, spry midfield whom did not seem to feel the effects of the summer heat.  Also, had the ball broke the other way, J. McGraughs would have been going into halftime with the lead.  After the break, it was more explosive offense from Tower.  Its forwards and mids kept the sliotar in the Celtics end for most of the second half.  Points and goals came almost at will.  J. McGraugh's did put a scare into the Tower "D" late in the game.  Jeremy Mall netted two goals in a matter of minutes and the comeback seemed to be starting.  Fortunately for Captains Pete DePrato, Matt Stravalli and the whole of the Crusader squad, time ran out and J. McGraugh's would have to settle for second.  Final score Tower 7-16 (37) to J. McGraugh's 3-6 (15).

 

    I want to take this time to send out thank yous now that our hurling league is over.  As a player in the past, I came out to games, would volunteer as needed and then join my teammates at whichever sponsor bar it was that night.  I had no idea how much actual work went on behind the scenes to put on a league that is relatively painless for all involved.  I would like to thank the Board, without whose guidance the league would not have turned out so well.  I want to thank Mike Chapman and all refs who do a truly thankless job.  It's rough work out there and for those to subject themselves to the passion of players, well, you have my appreciation.  I want to thank all the Volunteers who, before the season even started, helped at beer booths for St. Patrick's Day, those who arrived before their game and those who stayed well after theirs to help sideline, goal and keep score.  I've said it a hundred times and I'll say it a hundred more, this club does not happen without the help of volunteers.  I'm running out of steam here, but you all get the idea.  There are so many helping hands in this thing it's impossible to name them all.  You should all thank your captains, and your trainer John Watson.  From the talent level of the league this year, I can tell his practices are really paying off.

   So the hurling season is finished, but there is plenty of play in the near future.  In just under two weeks we will host our own tournament.  We will need you volunteers again.  I know some have stepped up, but more are needed.  Please, if you are available...even for an hour, come out and lend a hand with something.  It will be most appreciated and needed.  Also, there are travel and training opportunities abound this summer.  Talk to John Watson if you are interested in playing hurling this summer, John Behl or Kevin Sullivan if you'd like to play Gaelic Football and any Camogie players who haven't spoken to Phil Hrdlicka about playing should do so soon.  An announcement about a trivia night fundraiser will be coming out shortly.  We will also need volunteers for that, but more information to come.  And lastly, only by chronology, don't forget about our Gaelic Football league this fall after Labor Day.  The football league runs similarly to the hurling league.  There will be six teams, three games each Saturday, and it will be a 12 week season.  There will be more information forthcoming, but if you're really anxious, you can contact Kevin Sullivan about when training will start.

    Well, that's all I have for now.  Thank you again for a very successful hurling season and I look forward to seeing you all throughout the coming months.