In recent years, teams in cities such as New York and Philadelphia have experienced difficulties in fielding teams for football, hurling and camogie because of a falling off in Irish immigration and heightened difficulties facing Irish-based players wanting to compete in the U.s. during the season.
Not a few GAA fans and officials, then are placing increased hope in fostering the game among young players on this side of the Atlantic.
And here are some of them, all potential GAA stars of the future.
They are the members of Setanta Gaelic Football Club based in Katonah, New York. They are pictured here during the recent Rockland County GAA Denis McHugh Gaelic Football Tournament for children aged eight and under.
Setanta was established only last April, so this was the first exposure to a Gaelic football competition for the youngsters.
What they lacked in experience, though, they made up for in grit and determination, winning their first three matches against teams who had been playing together for years. Indeed, the Katonah lads made it all the to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they lost a close, hard-fought match to the New York Rangers.
“Overall, it was a great experience for the players, with their performance exceeding everyone’s expectations, except perhaps their own,” said proud parent Patricaa Padian.
This fall, Setanta is planning to play a full schedule of matches. The club is open to children between the ages of 5 and 13, and currently consists of members from throughout Westchester as well as southwestern Connecticut. Information on joining at gpadian@tashpad.com or (917) 903-0938.