09/09/04 St John's Alumni leads American Camogie Team to Championship!
by Lucy Clerkin

The Washington DC Gaels faced an epic battle against the Milwaukee Clash in the Junior NACB Camogie Final, held in Boulder CO on September 5th. The Clash came into the final with confidence, as the reigning Junior Champs who had held the Gaels to defeat at their two previous meetings in the 2004 season. The Gaels were down two goals at half time, but spurred on by a motivational half time speech by Belfast native, Joanne Crummey, the Gaels drew the game level with 60 minutes gone in regular play (Gaels 1-4, Clash 2-1). The referee (Eamon Brown, Tipperary) gave the teams twenty minutes to settle the score and end the match.

Joanne Crummey clearing the sliotar in Colorado

But, a hectic 20 minutes later, the score was level again, which pushed the game into further overtime (Gaels 1-7, Clash 3-1). With a final 10 minutes of play, the Gaels clenched the title and finished the match 6 points the winner. (Final Score: 3-8 to 3-2).

This match was testament to both clubs, who mainly consist of American born players, who have picked up camogie over the past few years, or months and have grown to love it. The Gaels and the Clash have built a great relationship and hope that the San Francisco Shamrocks, newly formed junior team can join us in promoting the fastest game on grass in America. The Clash went on to defeat the Shamrocks (Final Score:18 to 3).

Teams were honored by the presence of many people key players in the GAA, worldwide, including: Sean Kelly (GAA President, Ireland), Síle de Bhailís and Phyllis Breslin (Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael, Ireland), Nickey Brennan (Leinster Council Chairman) and Tommy Dolan (Chairman NACB). These teams will unite forces to send a team to play in the Kilmacud Crokes tournament on September 18th and will join other US Camogie teams in October, at the International Competition in Ireland.

All officials on hand agreed that this was one of the best camogie games ever played and everyone should leave Boulder, knowing that they are truly part of a sisterhood that supports this great game in America.

Sean Kelly remarked that, "Both teams played with great skill and determination at half time - I thought Washington was out of it, but I heard their half time speech and I knew they'd be hard to beat."

Nickey Brennan, winner of 5 All Ireland Senior Hurling medals with Kilkenny said, "It was tremendous to see this game in the centenary year" and he congratulated both teams on keeping the, "great tradition of REAL Irish sports alive in America."

For more information contact Lucy Prendeville at 410-402-7135 or 443-802-8439
USA Centenary Ambassador
DC Gaels Camogie Team Manager