New York Championship medals for Mullingar Shamrocks boys …
Mullingar Shamrocks had lots of interest on Sunday afternoon last when the Westmeath Hurling and Football Club in New York defeated Manhattan Gaels 2-12 to 0-7 in the New York Intermediate football county final with a couple of our ex-players playing a prominent part in the victory. The hard work put in by this team was rewarded with an impressive display that eased the pain of having lost the three previous finals.
Three Moore first cousins were prominent in the victory. Gary (in the green boots!) at cornerback showed that he can still defend as well as he did in his Mullingar Shamrocks days. Corner back play as we know is a bit of a Moore speciality with Ned, Eddie and Gary winning county medals in the position.
Westmeath lined out in their black jerseys adorned with the sponsor’s logo reading DTM: the law offices of Darren T. Moore. Darren T. himself lined out at corner forward and inflicted serious damage on Manhattan Gaels in the opening quarter scoring 1-2 from play as Westmeath established a 1-6 to 0-0 lead at the first water break. The goal was a bit special; not quite as good, but not far behind, the one Darren (without the T) scored against Castledaly in Castletown in 2004 (Where does the time go?). The finish was top class. Check out the goal (and the match) on the Westmeath New York GAA Facebook page. The goal can be found at the 14.00 minute. As they say class is permanent.
The New York-born member of the clan, John’s, son Seán isn’t bad either and Seán impressed with his running and passing when introduced. It is not necessary to be born in Ireland to be a good footballer. His brother Gareth was also a panellist, but injury kept him confined to the dugout. Unfortunately, Dylan McDermott, a key Westmeath New York player, also missed out as an injury received in the semi-final against Mayo also kept him confined to the sideline.
The victory was a special one for John Moore with the family connections. John has been involved in the Westmeath Club in New York since its formation in the mid-1980s and John and club president Tom Nugent, (a Raharney man from Delvin!) have done unbelievable work over the years to keep the name of Westmeath GAA alive in New York city.
Claire and Mary Finch were interested spectators in Gaelic Park last Sunday. The play of Westmeath centre-back Alan Dunne from Knockbridge was the subject of particular scrutiny we understand. Mary and Claire last togged out on for Mullingar Shamrocks as members of the Cell Block women in Chicago in our The Sound of the Musicals extravaganza and of course Claire (with Killian Daly) was one of the superb final dancers in Strictly Shamrocks.
And if you are wondering about those The Westbury jerseys, well Conor Moore at college studied marketing and hasn’t forgotten all he learned and was one of the sponsors of the Westmeath team. The Westbury is Conor’s tavern located at 20 West 38th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue in Manhattan. Don’t forget to call in when you visit New York City.
