Big Apple players join Irish GPA

By Pierce O’Reilly

The days of New York footballers and hurlers running around Van Cortlandt Park and up and down Gaelic Park for the love of the county or, in New York’s case, for the love of the city, are numbered. The latest addition of 21 members from New York to join the Gaelic Players Association is seen as unifying county teams abroad. The Gaelic Players Association now has a membership of more than 700, according to figures released at the weekend.

The renegade players group has seen its membership almost double in the last few months, bringing the total number of GPA members to 718. The total comprises 596 footballers and just 122 hurlers. That equates to over 60 percent of intercounty footballers but a much smaller percentage of intercounty hurlers.

GPA Chairman and Dublin football star Dessie Farrell says the group now has its sights firmly set on breaking the 1,000-member barrier.

"We’re here to see that players get treated fairly and that the playing field is level for all," he said.

Bobby-jo bids adieu

Bobby-jo, hero of the 1999 Martell Aintree Grand National, has died in a Curragh veterinary hospital after complications to an injury from which he appeared to be recovering. Following an operation on a shattered carpal bone, the 11-year-old’s condition worsened and it was decided to put him to sleep. He will be buried in County Galway in the hometown of his owner, London publican Bobby Burke.

While horseracing will recommence in Ireland on Easter Monday, the eagerly awaited Punchestown Festival, due to run from April 24-27 has been cancelled. The decision follows a course inspection that judged the hurdle and steeplechase tracks unsafe for racing. The root of the problem is believed to lie with a new drainage system installed last year.

Rovers reach 2 finals

Mark Hopper’s Rovers first team continued their terrific season with a fine 1-0 victory over rivals Glen Cove at Whitestone on Sunday afternoon. A lone first-half goal from opportunist Tony O’Donnell was enough to see Rovers reaching their second consecutive State final and the Queens lads have no intention of relinquishing their grip on the coveted cup. In a tough encounter played in Irish-like conditions, Kevin Daly, Pat Brosnahan, Jessy Van Sam and Rusty McGownan were to the fore.

The over 30’s also reached the State final, defeating a gallant Poughkeepsie side in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. After going in at the half with a 2-0 lead, courtesy of Liam Flanagan and a pile driver from Brian Bain, the Rovers were stunned when Poughkeepsie tied the match at 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining. The Irish lads, however, dug deep and won when Nigel Cunniffe scored a wonder volley from the edge of the box.

Those to shine included Peter Hallinan, Paul Kehoe and Mick Carby.

New York motion defeated

While the GAA in Ireland are basking in the aftermath of their 60 million windfall, New York’s solidarity motion at Congress 2001 was not looked upon favorably. Monty Moloney and his crew had proposed that the required minimum residency period to play in the U.S. be reduced from four months to three. However, the Irish delegates refused to back it. The second New York motion, proposing a New York delegate to be appointed onto Central Council, was withdrawn.

Previews

3 p.m., Senior Football "A", Donegal vs. Rockland.

All eyes will be on the 2000 New York champions Donegal this weekend at Gaelic Park as they face new kids on the block, Rockland GFC. Donegal are raging favorites to retain the top crown again this year, especially after the arrival of Loughran, Sweeney and Meehan. The Ulster men may have lost Coll, McConagley, Breslin and Dowd, yet they still have an abundance of top-class performers. Rockland won’t be overawed, however, and with Fitzpatrick on his way from Kerry, any mistakes in the Donegal rearguard will be punished.

Noon, Junior "A", Celtic’s vs. Tyrone.

Tyrone will be all out to make up for their senior defeat last week and the Ulster boys will be easy to motivate. Celtic should be a more potent force at this grade after their disappointing season last year. Donnie O’Sullivan and John Cox fought hard to keep the club alive earlier in the year and the 15 lads that line out on Sunday will be well aware of their efforts. The Traynors, Cox and O’Sullivan, who play senior football with other teams, won’t be found wanting.

1:30 p.m., Senior Hurling, Kilkenny vs. Waterford.

Quite a few of the these lads will be lining out for New York later in the year, so expect a top class encounter. Hurling in New York is going through a transition, with several new faces arriving. This darby clash will be seen as vital to later success in the year and both sides will be eager to get off to a winning start. Kilkenny were the better team last year and when Carter and Co. arrived late in the season, they made a huge difference. Waterford are improving every year and with Canty onboard this season expect the Deises to be there or there about come the playoffs. Fintan O’Shea and Dave Ryan are the danger men in the Waterford attack, while Norton and Nolan have the class to inflict the killer blows for Kilkenny if they get the opportunities.

5 p.m., Senior "B", Monaghan vs. Offaly.

The Midlanders trained hard last year and were very unlucky to lose the "B" final to Rockland. Reynolds, Nolan and Scanlon will be eager to get back to winning ways, and if their midfield breaks even the front sextet are deadly. Monaghan are an unknown force at present. Slowey is missing and a lot will depend on the imports. Dooley is a shrewd operator and if Treanor and his defense are out in front, the Monaghan men may cause an upset.