Taking the Field of Glory: GAA Monthly
Midwest Gaelic Athletic Association
GAME ON – that’s the news coming out of the recent Midwest GAA annual general meeting (AGM) for the 2021 season. Clubs from Akron, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Rochester gathered in Pittsburgh on October 24thto discuss the season that was, the season that will be, motions, and officers for the upcoming year.
All clubs experienced lower participation numbers and very few played more than one weekend of sport due to the pandemic. There was a confidence stemming from the lessons learned during the year that the pandemic and outdoor sports were no longer unknowns – players, teams, and clubs knew the protocols, actions to take, and results. With that experience clubs and Divisional leadership are preparing for the 2021 season.
The New Midwest GAA Board
The New Midwest GAA Board consists of Chairperson Paul Mulcaire (Buffalo Hurling); Vice-Chairperson Matthew Lomot (Buffalo Fenians); Secretary Rob Tierney (Pittsburgh Celtics); Treasurer Sarah Dunn (Cleveland St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s GAA); Registrar David Roberts (Pittsburgh Celtics); Public Relations Officer Seán Stayduhar (Pittsburgh Pucas); Youth Officer Garrett O’Donohue (Detroit Harps); Go n-éiri an t-ádh libh. Good luck.
In Other News
Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club hosted their annual Al O’Leary Tournament at the West Side Irish American Club in Olmsted Township. Seven a-side teams came in from Akron, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. Each team played each other throughout the day and Cleveland recorded their first hurling win.
The final saw 5-time champion Indianapolis face off with the Midwest’s divisional champion, Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh came out firing on all cylinders, sinking Indy’s hope for the all-illusive 6-in-a-row.
Comhghairdeas le Pittsbugh. It was great to see games played again and such a temperate October day.
Looking ahead
Cleveland will host their club annual general meeting on December 5 to assemble the 2021 board, discuss officer reports, and vote on any motions to change the club constitution.
Further, further ahead Cleveland is embracing the ‘Game-On’ spirit with the scheduling of the Cleveland Memorial Football 7’s. Save the date for Saturday, May 8th, at the West Side Irish American club for a day of Irish culture, sport, and comradery. We are sure we will all be ready for it after this winter, and this writer looks forward to reporting on regular games across the Division!
From the Cleveland GAA to all our supporters, sponsors, and friends, Nollaig Shona Daoibh – Happy December to You All. Keep Safe.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh
(thanks y’all) to our readers and supporters. We need your help and involvement but would most like to share the fun of Irish sport and Cleveland community with you. Consider getting involved at any level. Fáilte (welcome) to all.
Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)
The Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest sporting organization and a bit of home for the Irish abroad here in the US of A. Beyond sports, the Association also promotes Irish music, song and dance, and the Irish language as an integral part of its objectives. Cleveland GAA is open to all who want to play competitive sports, meet new people, and join an athletic, fitness-minded club for all ages.
Follow @ClevelandGaelic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the 2020 activities for Men, Women, and Youth. Or, visit ClevelandGAA.com.
*Vincent Thomas Francis Xavier Beach is a proud Greater Clevelander and emigrant of Michigan. He joined the St. Pat’s Gaelic Football Club in 1999 and, with much help, is the current caretaker of the Cleveland GAA. His Irish is a cross of dialects from the University of Cincinnati and An Cheathrú Rua. With his wife, Michelle, he enjoys watching time absolutely fly by as their children, Ambrose (11), Bernadette (9), and Cedric (6), grow. His other hustles are coaching CYO basketball at St. Mary of Berea, coaching soccer in Olmsted TWP, and slangin’ some engineering skills on local concrete and pipe projects.
