World's Fastest Field Game A Success At Habig Fields

A large turnout of supporters, family & friends were treated to a feast of hurling at Habig Fields on Saturday, Aug 18th. First up were the U-18's of Indy and Chicago. The early exchanges saw the boys from Chicago utilize a little more craft & guile in front of goals. At half-time, Chicago led by 10 points. After the break, a re-energised and re-focused Indy team began to gain a foothold in the game. As time wore on, Indy clawed their way back to within 3 points, but unfortunately before the come-back could be completed the final whistle blew, and Chicago took the victory. It was a good, sporting game between two teams who have developed a friendly rivalry over the last number of months, and while victory eluded the Indy boys this time, they can be very proud of their display, particularly in that second-half.

The crowd was well & truly warmed up following the exciting finish to the U-18 game, and it was now the turn of the Indy adult team to take the field against the travelling team from St Louis. Indy got off to a fast start with 2 quick goals and settled into the game well. However, St Louis, the 2005 National champions, finished the half strongly and went in at the break only 4 points down. The second-half saw Indy tighten their grip on the game and they pushed on to the finish, winning eventually on a score-line of 3-13 to 1-8.

All the Indy Hurling Club members, both young & not so young, can be justifiably proud of their contribution to the weekend's success. Well done to everyone from referees, umpires, sideline judges, pitch-markers, pizza-sellers, photographers, goal-movers, bleacher-movers, and, of course, the players.

Special thanks to both the Chicago & St Louis teams & management who made the journey to Indy for these games. Indy Hurling appreciates the time and effort taken by both teams to travel and play in these matches. Both games were played in good spirit, and provided great entertainment for the large crowd in attendance.

A particular word of gratitude goes to the Westfield Youth Soccer Association. Their excellent pitches and facilities made the weekend possible, and contributed in no small way to the success of the weekend.

Finally, sincere thanks to everyone who came to watch the world's fastest field game - we hope you enjoyed it, that the experience sparked an interest in the game and that we will see you back again in the near future, both for further games and at our booth at the Indy Irishfest. Come up and talk hurling with us - we can do that all day…!!

Indy Hurling wins Dublin IrishFest Tournament

Indy Hurling are Champions of the Dublin Irishfest Tournament 2007 are some great displays over this past weekend. Indy took on several teams from the mid-west and emerged victorious with the trophy and the title tucked safely under their arm. Indy began their winning ways on Saturday by defeating old rivals Purdue in a hard-fought game, where Kyle LaPrees and others scored a couple of vital goals to ensure victory. Peter Mackey and Neal Mulrooney marshaled the defense superbly throughout the game and limited the opportunities for Purdue to stage any form of comeback.

As Indy traveled in force to Dublin, Ohio, a second team - the All-Stars - was entered in the tournament. The All-Stars took to the field against Akron's Celtic Guards, trying to emulate their club-mates' victory over Purdue. After a great first half, the highlight of which was a fantastic goal by Tim Fick, the All-Stars were sucker punched with a couple of goals right at the final whistle (a whistle that may have come a little early..!!). It was tough loss for the All-Stars, especially as so many like Brian Mathes, Matt Glasheen and Nate Risteen had played so well.

So to Sunday and the Shield Final pitted Indy All-Stars against Purdue. Despite dreadful weather, again, Indy started brightly and found themselves with a good lead at half-time following good scores from Tim Fick, Richard Connolly and Nate Risteen. However, Purdue came back strongly in the second half and really tested the All-Stars. However after a brief delay for lightning, the All-Star players really stepped up to the challenge and defended stoutly. In mid-field, Richard Connolly raised his game and made several relieving clearances and chipped in a couple of scores as well. At the final whistle, the All-Stars had held on for a well-deserved victory and third place in the tournament.

The championship final saw Indy take on Akron in what promised to be a very competitive game. The game began fairly evenly with some well-taken scores by both sides, however, Indy managed to push into a 6 points lead at half-time. Indy expected a strong challenge from Akron in the second half, but they never gave Akron the chance to get going in that second period as they drove hard for the finish line with a barrage of scores. Their were some great passages of inter-play resulting in excellent scores from Brian Church, Ian Heraty and Mike Monaghan. When Akron did get into the Indy defensive third, they found Stephen Quigley, Jim Kelly and David Littlejohn in no mood to permit scores, and Bob Finley in good form in the Indy goals. At the end, Indy were very worthy winners and claimed the inaugural title of Dublin Irishfest Tournament Champions.

Congratulations to everyone from both teams who represented Indy Hurling so well in the tournament games. All should be very proud of the manner, the standard and the quality of their play over the tournament weekend.

Special thanks goes to the Dublin Irishfest Committee and the Akron Celtic Guards for putting on a spectacular weekend.

Indy falls to St Louis

Indianapolis Hurling Club travelled to St Louis on Saturday morning to take on our midwest rival St Louis. Indy Hurling started the game strongly against a very strong St louis side. Brian Church and Rudy Nerhling were dynamic down the centre for Indianapolis. Tim Fick and Bob Finley played their heart out up front and Jason Grace was very good between the sticks. St Louis were perhaps at little too strong on the day. The trip was a worthwhile exercise in preparing a team for the national games which are nearly upon. Thank you to everyone who travelled and those wives and girlfriends who supported us on the day.

Ciaran meets with GAA President

Ciaran travelled back to Ireland for a few days and had the opportunity to meet with GAA President Nicky Brennan. While there he presented Nicky with an Indy Hurling jersey.

Nicky was made aware of the achievements of Indy Hurling club, our history, progress to date and our plans for the future.

Upon being presented with the Indy Hurling jersey, Nicky said he was delighted to receive it, and that it would, no doubt, be making some guest appearances at upcoming practices with Nicky's native club team, Conahy Shamrocks.

An t-Uachtarain Cumann Luthchleas Gael, complimented Indy Hurling on the progress made to date. He urged all club members to continue their efforts to grow the game in Indianapolis and to utilize all the resources available through the GAA in attempting to achieve that goal. Finally, Nicky wished the club well in its future endeavours.

Juniors represent Indy Hurling at CYC

The North Central/Indy U18 Hurling Club competed in Chicago this past weekend at the Continental Youth Championships at Gaelic Park. The team lost both of their matches, but all of the players left the pitch with smiles on their face knowing that they had played two exciting matches before hundreds of spectators and current GAA President Nickey Brennan and past GAA President Sean Kelly. Afterwards, the boys were congratulated by the current President for their strong play and then everyone posed for photos. Each player knows how far they have come in the past year, and what they need to do to bring the cup home to Indianapolis next year.

Pat Flynns vs Connors, Game VI

Another great game yesterday at Richardt Park. With all the big guns missing, Flynns played like dogs from hell, being first to the ball and taking scores from all angles, it looked liked it was one-way traffic through the first 15 mins leading 8 points to 3. Then a good goal from Richard and points from Church and Monaghan clawed Connors back to lead at half time 14 points to 10. The second half started the same as the first with a great point from play by "The Flying Tobin" from 45 yards out, which spared his time on. A goal from Drew and points from Rudy and Bubbles. Flynns led by a 2 points with 8 mins gone. Kyle LaPres clmbed high above everybody to catch the ball from a long puck out from Jay-Jay, turned his man and struck it over the bar. Matt Davis not to be out done clipped it over from a good distance to put Flynns back ahead. Missed 65's and botched frees left both teams scrambling for breaking balls in the mid field. Church played a 30 yard pass / shot on target which Flynns ever present keeper caught and cleared it out only to see it come rifling back at him from LaPres to put Connors ahead. Flynns missed some easy chances which cost them the game at the end with a score of Flynns 23 - Connors 25.

Thanks again to all the supporters for coming out its great to see the crowd growing each week.

Game 5 Rematch

Game #5 of the Indy Hurling league saw the most competitive game of the series to date with Connors just edging Flynn's in the last 5 minutes on a score-line of 25 pts to 20pts. Both teams showed great effort, execution and energy. As has become the norm in recent games, Flynn's raced into a strong first half lead with some spirited play and excellent scores from Neal Mulrooney, Drew Calvert and Dave Maish. Flynn's dominated on the scoreboard right to the half-time whistle, while Connors just couldn't convert the chances they were creating. The second half saw a big improvement from Connors. They really upped the tempo and finally began to translate some of those opportunities into scores on the board. Great inter-play between Mike Monaghan, Richard Connolly, Colin Conlon and Kyle Laprees began to pay dividends as Connors clawed their way back into the game. Flynn's weren't about to go under easily though and they scored another goal which took a little of the wind from Connors sails. From there, the game continued to ebb and flow to the very end with only a point or two separating the teams. That was until Brian Church secured his place in Connors folklore with a well-taken goal a couple of minutes from the final whistle. Once again, Rudy Nehrling and Jason Crace were on top form for the Flynn's defense, ably assisted by Jonathan tobin and Eric Radersdorf. For Connors, Brian Church had an excellent game as did Jim Kelly, Brian Mathes and Matt Glasheen who all repelled many of the Flynn's attacks. Thanks to our family & friends, and some new faces in the crowd, including ball-girl extraordinaire Ms Patsy Greene from Ireland, for coming to show your support for the game of hurling,- we appreciate it as always!