February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Over 160 games were played during the 3-day tournament with teams representing 11 cities from the US and Canada a well as a minor football team from London, England. An added attraction this year was the participation of the Cuchulainn boy’s football team from Armagh representing Ulster in the boys under 16 county championship. The Ulster squad drew special attention since it’s team and mentors represented a cross section of the Armagh community. The team played exceptionally well and were a credit to their entire community. Also competing were teams representing the local Treasure Island community. The following cities were represented at the tournament, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, New Haven, New York, Ottawa, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Toronto.
For the forth 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, San Francisco teams captured 9 of the 22 championships competed for. Six titles went to New York teams while Boston, Chicago and New Haven clubs each captured 2 championships. Also, a combined Boston/Chicago team took the girls u14 competition.
Similar to last year, Highlight of this years tournament was the inter-county minor (under 18) boys football championship played between New York, North American Board and London. In an epic final the NAB won their first title defeating 2007/8 champions London by one point, 1-10 to 0-12. In the under 16 boys inter-county final the NAB defeated Ulster 2-12 to 1-2.
The 2009 CYC was kicked off with an opening ceremony at Pairc na Gael on the Friday morning which included an enlightening speech by former GAA president Joe McDonagh.
During a function at the conclusion of the tournament, Christy Cooney 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 was loud in his praise of the Treasure Island facilities and thanked both the local Youth Committee and the CYC Steering Committee for a wonderful job in organizing the tournament. Other dignitaries who travelled from Ireland to be present at the CYC were Gene Duffy, former Overseas Chairman and current GAA Finance Committee Chairman, Aine Gibney (Overseas Committee Secretary), Joan O’Flynn ( Comagie Association President), Pat Quill (Ladies Football Association President). Also present was Kevin Walsh, Munster referee Co-coordinator, who refereed several games.
As the CYC moves on to New York for the 2010 the NACB congratulates the CYC Steering and San Francisco Youth Committee along with officials of the Treasure Island Facility for a remarkable job that contributed to a most successful event.
Eamonn Kelly
PRO – North American County Board
U10 Hurling final San Francisco 0-3 4-1 St Jarlath
U14B Boys Final New Haven 2-6 1-5 Boston
U12 Hurling Final San Francisco 7-12 1-0 St Jarlath
U18 Girls County Final NAYCB 4-7 0-9 New York
U18B Boys Final Boston 2-9 1-4 Rangers
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U08A Boys Final Rockland 2-2 0-2 San Francisco
U08B Boys Final New Haven 1-0 2-4 Boston
U14 Girls Final San FranciscoToronto 0-7 3-6 BostonSt Jarlath
U16B Boys Final Boston 1-2 2-5 NY Rangers
U10A Boys Final St Jarlath 0-3 3-5 San Francisco
U10B Boys Final New Haven 0-7 0-5 Boston
U16 Girls Final San Francisco 5-2 1-3 Boston
U12A Boys Final San Francisco 1-3 3-5 New York
U12B Boys Final Boston 0-4 1-4 Shannon Gaels
U12 Girls Final Rockland 1-4 2-2 San Francisco
U08 Girls Final Rockland 6-2 0-1 New Haven
U08 Hurling Final San Francisco 5-1 2-0 St Jarlath
U14A Boys Final St Jarlath 1-8 0-2 San Francisco
U16A Boys Final San Francisco (1) 4-8 0-12 St Jarlath
U10 Girls Final San Francisco 3-1 2-1 Rockland
U18 Girls Club Final St Brigids 1-11 1-4 San Francisco
U14 Hurling Finals San Francisco 2-11 1-0 St Jarlath
U18A Boys Final San Francisco 1-11 1-1 St Jarlath