For the third consecutive year hurling joined boys and girls Gaelic football at the CYC with games being played at under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 age levels. There were 13 competitions in boys football with games being played in A and B divisions in under 8, 10, 12, 14 16, and 18, while there were 6 girls competitions in age groups under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. There were three hurling competitions in age groups under 10, 12 and 14.
As for results on the field, New York teams captured 15 of the 22 championships competed for. Two titles went to Chicago and San Francisco while Boston captured one and a Philadelphia/San Francisco combined team were victorious in one.
Following the inaugural inter-county minor (under 18) championship at last years CYC this competition was the highlight of this years event resulting in great games between county teams representing London, New York and the North American County Board (NACB). London retained the title with a comprehensive win over the NACB in the final. In an inaugural under 16 inter-county championship New York captured the first title with a victory over the North American Board.
The 2008 CYC was kicked off with a most impressive parade on the Thursday night through the streets of Chester PA. where all teams dressed in their club colors marched down the main street behind 3 pipe bands and greeted by GAA and local officials on a reviewing stand at the end of the march.
In contrast to former years when trophies and medals were presented to team captains and players at a special awards event after the event, this years presentations were made on the field following the final of each championship. Where possible, and In most cases, the presentations were made by the GAA President, Nickey Brennan, who commended all the players for their contributions to the promotion of Gaelic Games. Other presentations were made by the GAA Overseas Chairman, Sheamus Howlin who made similar commendations.
During a function at the conclusion of the tournament, Nickey Brennan spoke of his delight of being present to witness the fruits of the tremendous work being done by the various youth boards around the country. He described the facilities for the tournament as magnificently prepared and thanked both the local Youth Committee and the CYC Steering Committee for a wonderful job. Other dignitaries who traveled from Ireland to be present at the CYC were Gene Duffy, former Overseas Chairman and current GAA Finance Committee Chairman and Aine Gibney, Overseas Committee Secretary.
As the CYC moves on to San Francisco for 2009 the NACB congratulates the CYC Steering and Philadelphia Youth Committee along with officials of the Greater Valley Soccer Valley Association Facility for a remarkable job that contributed to a most successful event.
Following are the winners of the 2008 CYC Championships
U8 A – Rockland NY
U8 B – St. Barnabas NY
U 10 A – Rockland NY
U10 B – St. Barnabas NY
U 12 A – Rockland NY
U 12 B – St. Raymond’s Boston
U 14 A – St. Barnabas NY
U 16 A – San Francisco
U 16 B – Boston
U 18 A – San Francisco
U 18 B – Chicago