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GAA big say N.Y. side unprepared

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

ByPierce O’Reilly

Several New York GAA delegates are seriously concerned with the poor preparations of the home side for their upcoming FBD clash with All-Ireland Champions Galway. The players haven’t trained at all for the game and many delegates feel a poor performance will reflect badly on the exiles’ board.

“Some people are more interested in wining and dining the Galway board members than making sure that we put in a respectable performance,” GAA delegate Seamus Dooley said. “It’s very disappointing that our top players haven’t trained for this game that will attract thousands to Gaelic Park.

“Questions will have to be answered if New York get hammered.”

Paddy Kearney, who is supposed to lead out the home side has not contacted his players or management in over a week.

New York selector Frank Brady is also concerned about New York’s lack of preparation. He said he has not heard from manager Paddy Kearney in more than a week.

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“We don’t really know what’s happening,” Brady said. “There has been a total lack of direction from the top table.”

If New York get hammered by the newly crowned All-Ireland champions, it may even jeopardize their chances of hosting a home championship game at Gaelic Park next May. The GAA in Ireland and top officials at Croke Park are at present assessing New York’s progress and development before they grant them home-field advantage next year.

“It’s very disappointing alright,” Brady said. “New York players will need name tags at this stage,” he added sarcastically.

Brady did confirm that he, Connie Molloy and Pat Scanlon would go ahead and try to organize some kind of team to take the field against Galway.

“It’s a bit of a farce at this stage,” he said.

The issue will be discussed further at this week’s meting. The first New York training session will take place today, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park.

Brady said that he expects a full turnout. New York is scheduled to play Boston this weekend in a charity fund-raiser for the WTC disaster and relief funds.

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