Taking the Fields of Glory: Cleveland GAA March Update.
On the Pitch: As of this writing, our Men’s and Coed soccer teams are finishing up their last two games in what turned out to be a very competitive league at Caps Fieldhouse in Independence. With a smile and a wink, we’ll just say we were a bit fonder of Gaelic rules. The venture turned out to be a great way to meet some new people, play competitive ball, and get out for some good runs in the middle of the winter. The club hopes to compete again in the off-season next winter. March 8 begins the real Gaelic season for the Men and Ladies’ teams. St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s is hosting free workouts at Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted geared towards the new players and skill development. Sessions will be once a week: Friday nights (8-9PM) in March, and Thursday nights (7-8PM) in April.
By May, both teams will be outside. Anyone wanting to try out the sport and meet some new people are welcome to come to any of the sessions. Missing the first one will not preclude you from participating in the second one.
As for May … Cleveland GAA is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Gaelic Football 7-A-Side Tournament on Saturday, May 11th, at the West Side Irish American Club. At least two fields will be live with Men’s and Ladies teams from 10AM to 6PM while the craic will be had in the pavilion. Come out to see the action and join in the Gaelic fun. Corporate promotions are available, and volunteers are needed for this 501-3c event. Contact in**@cl**********.com.
Off the Pitch. Cleveland hosted the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) Foundation Level Coaching Clinic on Sunday, February 10that the Flat Iron Café with USGAA’s Youth Chairman, Paul Mulcaire. Although open to all Midwest Clubs, attendees were local from Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club and Cleveland St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s Gaelic Football Club. Ten members of the Cleveland Club were certified including Simon O’Doherty (Men’s Coach), Daniel Murray (Ladies’ Coach), Jim Coyne (Men’s and Ladies’ Coach), Rob Frank (Youth & Hurling Coach), John McGowan (Youth), Shawn Kerns (Youth), James Bannon (Youth), Tommy McGowan (Youth), and Aaron Kimbrell (Youth). Congratulations to all and thanks for taking the day to better our club, our players, and our kids.
In conjunction with the WSIA to benefit both Cleveland Gaelic Football and the WSIA Marching unit, the annual Night at the Races was again sold out. Thank you to all the supporters, donors, participants, and volunteers who make the event the most successful annual fundraiser for the club. The night puts the club on solid financial ground. The money raised goes into the continued care for the WSIA field, Páirc na Naomh, registration fees, the youth program, and travel costs.
Do you want to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cleveland? Join the Club, youth-ladies-men, as we will step-off with the Ohio Irish American News vans. There will be good craig before, during, and after the parade on Sunday March 17.
Youth. The Youth program had a massive response from local families when over 40 kids took the field on the first Free Gaelic Football night in January. Of those 40, nearly 30 of them were new to the sport and had a blast. The Club is offering regular sessions in March and April at Soccer Sportplex in North Olmsted. For a nominal $20, your youth player will receive a Club shirt and participate in five sessions.
The sessions are split into age groups; 5-8 and 9-12. Girls and boys play together. The March sessions will be on the 9thfrom 5-7PM, the 23rdfrom 3-5PM, and the 30thfrom 5-7PM. The April sessions will be on the 6thfrom 5-7PM and the 20thfrom 3-5PM. If you are interested in getting involved in Youth Gaelic Sports, contact Cl***************@gm***.com.
New Players Wanted. Cleveland GAA is open to all who want to play competitive sports, meet new people, and join an athletic, fitness minded club.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh (thanks y’all) to our readers and supporters. Consider getting involved at any level. Fáilte (welcome) to all. The Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest sporting organization and a bit of home for the Irish abroad here in the US. Beyond sports, the Association also promotes Irish music, song and dance, and the Irish language as an integral part of its objectives.
Follow @ClevelandGaelic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the 2019 activities for Men, Women, and Youth. Or, visit ClevelandGAA.com.
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael i gCleveland. Ar dtús caithfidh mé a rá gur fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste. Maith dom é.
So, an mhí seo caite, thainig tríocha imreoirí nua chun traenála óg ag Soccer Sportplex i North Olmsted. Bhí sé fiánta fiánta maith. Dímir na paistí d’aois 5-8 i rith an chéad uaire agus ansin d’imir na paistí níos sine ar feadh an dara uaire. D’fhoghlaim siad go léir scilleanna agus bhí craic mhór acu. Liathróidí ag bocáil agus gach duine ag gháire!
Nuair a bheidh an t-alt seo tar éis teacht amach beidh an dara saor seisiún críochnaithe. Beidh traenail seachtainiúil i mí an Mhárta agus mí an Aibreáin againn. F’éach ar an fógra i gcomhair laethanta agus amanna.
Má tigeann tú na focail seo mar sin déan machnamh ar dul isteach linn.
Slán go foill.
Meet the Cleveland GAA: Daniel Murray – Men’s Player and Women’s Head Coach
Fast Facts:
Age: 30
Hometown: Knocknacarra, Galway
Home Club: Father Griffins / Éire Óg
Current Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Position: Midfield
Job: General Manager @ Anytime Fitness
A new member of Cleveland GAA in 2018, Galway native Daniel Murray quickly immersed himself in the club both on and off the field. Even with the strong rookie class of thirteen new players for the club, the 2018 season was a challenging one after losing a handful of players who moved away from Cleveland, and lost other key veteran contributors to early season injuries. Daniel was one of the few with solid Gaelic football experience from his playing days in Ireland and instantly became a team leader and key scorer from day one on the pitch.
As soon as the 2018 season ended, Daniel had his eyes set on 2019, and will be a key member for what should become a very important part of the Cleveland GAA – a competitive women’s team. The inaugural women’s team will begin indoor training sessions with the men in early March, with Daniel serving as head coach. Prior experience is unnecessary, but a background with athletic experience is a plus. Anyone interested in trying Gaelic football (women’s or men’s) should fill out the interested player form found at www.ClevelandGAA.com/JoinUs
