May 2011 - Irish American News

GAA Collegiate Championships On Memorial Day Weekendwill see the first National Collegiate GAAChampionship at Gaelic Park. Universitystudents from all over thecountry will converge atGaelic Park for a weekendof matches. Two competitionswill be held. One willbe comprised of full teamsfrom the University of Californiaat Berkeley, IndianaUniversity and PurdueUniversity. These teams willplay a round robin formaton Saturday with the toptwo teams playing in theNational Collegiate Final on Sunday.Berkeley has won the California CollegiateGAA championship for the pasttwo years while Indiana and Purduewill face off on April 30th in the MidwestFinal. The second competition will bea best of three between an East Selectteam and a West Select. Two matcheswill be played on Saturday with the thirdand final match being played on Sunday.A collegiate select team will alsotake the pitch against the 2010 NorthAmerican Junior C Hurling Champions,the Michael Cusack Hurling Club. Alsoon the schedule is a demonstration byMother’s Day Celtic Supperwill be a celebration of Mother’sDay on Sunday May 8th. Aspecial hot buffet dinner isplanned that includes prime riband boneless breast of chicken,with a separate buffet for thechildren. Dinner will be servedfrom 4pm to 7pm, and dancingto the music of John Dillon until9pm. Complimentary flowers willbe presented to all of the ladies.Reservations can be made bycalling 708.687.9323. The admissionprice is $21 for adults and$11 for children 12 and under.This will be the last Celtic Supperfor the season, resuming againin November. (The May 1 CelticSupper will have music by RayGavigan at the regular price ofthe Chicago Youth Board. Universityhurling clubs have taken off over thepast few years. So much sothat separate organizationswere formed in Californiaand the Midwestern UnitedStates. A meeting was heldin October 2009, bringingtogether university club representativesand membersof the larger GAA communityin the United States toform the National CollegiateGAA. This is a very excitingmoment in the historyof the sport in the United States. Therehave only been a handful of universityhurling clubs to exist since the foundingof the GAA in 1884. This competition illustratesnot only the growth of the sportbut also the dedication of administratorsand players alike in continuing Ireland’spastime. The schedule:SAT Afternoon12pm Berkeley v. IndianaSUN Afternoon12pm Cusacks v. CollegeSelect1:30 East v. West 1:00 Chicago Youth3:00 Purdue v. Berkeley 3:00 National CollegiateFinal4:30 East v. West 4:30 East v. West6:00 Indiana v. Purdue$16 for adults and $8 for childrenunder 12).Monthly Mass and Breakfastwill be held on Sunday, May 8that 10am with a delicious Irishbreakfast served following Mass.This will be the last Mass of theseason, and it will resume againon the second Sunday in October.Sunday Live Broadcasts (andover the internet) from 7-9pmfrom Gaelic Park by Harry Costelloe,Mary Hackett, and Mary Riordanon WCEV 1450 AM. Hear allthe week’s Irish news and sportsdirect from Ireland, and all thelatest events and goings on atGaelic Park. Call (708) 687-9330to request a song or dedication.Gaelic Park Hosts Ireland’s Top CoachesSaturday May 14th Gaelic Park will enjoy North America’s first ever coachingconference for GAA teams. From 9:30am to 4:30pm, the day will consist of fourguest speakers and practical sessions covering all aspects of coaching for all agegroups. Chicago’s Central Division Board has put an immense focus on youth developmentthis year with its new North American Youth Board. Along with manyadult teams, Chicago boasts three long standing youth teams throughout thecity. St. Jarlath’s, on the Southside, hosts practices on the Gaelic Park fields, whilethe North side contingent, run by Chicago Celtic Youth, play at Maryville Academyin Des Plaines. And the Windy City Gaels enjoy great participation fromchildren both in the City of Chicago and the Western suburbs. The Youth clubs allover Chicago land are starting practices, and are welcoming new players (boysand girls) from ages 6 to 18 to come out and play Gaelic Football and Hurling.The playing season will start in June and run till early August. Please contact TomSheehy with any inquiries at (773) 329-6263 or e-mail him at tom.sheehy.gda.central.usa@gaa.ie. The Patriots Gaelic Football Golf Outing is planned for May21st at Silver Lake Country club. The 18 holes of golf, with cart, lunch, dinner andprizes is just $100 per golfer. Contact John Barrett at (708) 525-6329 or chicagopatriotgmail.com.Greg Miller NAGAA Central Board PROEnjoy the Music & Spirit of the Irish in ourAuthentic Pub Imported Directly From Ireland.Open to the Public 7 Days Live Entertainment Every WeekendTraditional Irish Music Session on Thursdays – 7:30pmfeaturing students from the Irish Music School of ChicagoPub food available Monday - Saturday.Check out our menu items.Daily drink and food specials.MEMBERSHIPNEW ❏ RENEWAL ❏ ❏ Family Membership $50 ❏ Individual Member $30NAME ________________________________________________________last first initialSPOUSE (if joining) ______________________________________________last first initialADDRESS _____________________________________________________street city state zipPHONE: home _____________________ work ________________________E-Mail: _____________________________Donation Enclosed _____________Checks made payable to:Chicago Gaelic ParkMail to: Chicago Gaelic Park Membership Chairperson,6119 W. 147th St, Oak Forest IL 60452“Pub Trivia” EveryTuesday Night @ 7:30pmLive Music in the Pub5/06 Ploughboys Band5/07 John Dillon5/14 Ray Gavigan5/20 John Dillon5/21 Bernie Glim & Country RoadsThe Pub will not be open over theIrish Fest Memorial Day Weekend.Friday night entertainment begins at 7:30pmand Saturday night at 9:30pm.Check Website for Full Schedule6119 W. 147th Street • Oak Forest, IL708.687.9323www.chicagogaelicpark .org