Fields of Glory: Around the Midwest GAA - News and Events - Ohio Irish American News

Fields of Glory: Around the Midwest GAA

Fields of Glory: Around the Midwest GAA 
by Vincent Beach

As the 2018 year closes, we are reminded of a couple of Cleveland anniversaries.  Seventy years ago, Cleveland Gaelic football re-organized and formed St. Pat’s, the longest continually run GAA club in the United States.  Fifty years ago, St. Pat’s Cleveland last won the North American Senior Football Championship. 

The Cleveland team of the 1960s was dominant, winning in 1962, 1964, 1965, and 1966.  The three-in-a-row feat has only been repeated by Chicago Wolfe Tones (1995-1997) and Ulster San Francisco (2012-2014).  Cheers to Cleveland history and cheers to Cleveland’s future.


The Midwest Division held their annual general meeting (AGM) in Cleveland at PJ McIntyre’s on October 27.  The newly elected board is: Chairperson Dave Slevin (Buffalo Fenians), Vice-Chair Keith Knott (Akron Guards), Secretary Seán Stayduhar (Pittsburgh Pucas), Treasurer Danielle McCullough (Pittsburgh Banshees), Public Relations Officer Ty McTigue (Cleveland St. Pat’s), Registrar Matt Lomot (Buffalo Fenians), and Youth Officer Garrett O’Donohue (Detroit Wolfe Tones).  Congratulations to all and good luck.

Delegates from clubs and divisions across the country met in Chicago on November 9th& 10thfor the USGAA’s annual convention. Also in attendance were Jerry O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Munster Provincial GAA (of which USGAA is organized as a county), and Niall Erskine Chairman of World GAA. 

World GAA comprises of all the GAA organizations outside of Ireland including USGAA, New York GAA, Gaelic Games Europe, Middle East GAA, Britain GAA, Australasia GAA, Canada GAA, and Asia GAA. The USGAA will be sponsored by Masita (uniforms and kits provider) and Guinness.  Tag in your social media @GuinnessUS and your local GAA club @ClevelandGaelic when enjoying ‘a bit of the black stuff’. 

This year’s USGAA AGM had more delegates than can ever be remembered.  There are ten divisions across the county and all were well represented: Central (Chicago area), Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast (Boston area), Philadelphia, Southeast, Southwest, and Western (San Francisco area). 

The Register’s report had many interesting facts: 178 teams from 130 clubs, 5,394 members, 1,207 resident players (Irish born), 2,713 American born players, and 551 sanction players. The organization remains financially strong, and continues to be supported by the GAA (Croke Park) for increased participation and development. 

The Finals are being held in Leesburg, VA., about an hour outside of D.C., a week before Labor Day (August 23-25). Next year’s AGM is in dreary San Diego!

Cleveland GAA Update: Cleveland GAA will be participating in off-season indoor soccer Co-Ed and Men’s leagues.  If you are interested in playing and learning more about Gaelic Football, contact clevelandgaa@gmail.com.   

The Cleveland annual general meeting will take place at PJ McIntyres on December 7.  If you have young ones, we will have skills camps to teach the game. Contact us: ClevelandYouthGAA@gmail.com.   

Cleveland GAA would also like to announce the arrival of Ladies Gaelic Football Coach Danial Murray, from Knocknacarra, Galway (just east of Craggy Island, so it is).  Daniel will be head coach for upcoming training sessions and the 2019 season. Those interested in playing or learning more should email: clevelandLadiesGAA@gmail.com. 

Follow @ClevelandGaelic on Facebook and Twitter for fall and winter activities for Men, Women, and Youth.  Planning is in the works for friendlies, open games, fitness training, and indoor.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh (thanks y’all) to our readers and supporters.  Fáilte (welcome) to all; consider getting involved at any level.

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.

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