And it’s goodbye Mick and goodbye Pat and goodbye Kate and Mary,
The anchor’s weighed and the gangway’s up, I’m leaving Tipperary.
And now the steam is blowing off, I have no more to say
I’m bound for New York City boys, three thousand miles away.
As the years go by and research facilities and methods improve, it’s amazing the volume of material that has been uncovered regarding the game of hurling, both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora on foreign fields.
The New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury of 4 June 1781, under the heading ‘Hurling in 18th Century New York’ reported as follows:-
The Grand Races of Ascot Heath, being postponed till Wednesday the 6th of June, on account of the King’s birthday. Notice is hereby given the Public, that there will be a Hurling Match on the ground on Tuesday the 5th instant, when those Gentlemen who have a curiosity to play (or see) that ancient diversion, will get hurls and bats at the Irish Flag, at twelve o’clock; and at four in the afternoon an elegant saddle will be offered…
This newspaper article is evidence that there were hurling matches in New York City as early as the 1780s. At that early stage, it was mostly teams selected from those who attended on the day, but as the 19th century progressed, Irish County Societies fielded their own teams. Though the playing fields tended to be in the Bronx or on Long Island, the players came from all over the city.
The British used the level ground to develop a horse-racing track here in 1780 called Ascot Heath, likely named after the famous Ascot racecourse in their English homeland.
The fascinating story of Gaelic games comes alive with a visit to Lár na Páirce museum in Thurles, where GAA memorabilia can be viewed, appreciated and interpreted.
Lár na Páirce museum will have a stand at the ‘Thurles Enterprise Town’ initiative which runs in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, on Saturday, March 12. Why not come and meet us at this event which is facilitated by Bank of Ireland.
Liam Ó Donnchú
