February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Feile Péil, which has traditionally been played, exclusively in Ireland, broadened its horizons recently with the debut of Feile Péil USA in San Francisco.
This ambitious undertaking featured U-10, U-12, and U-14 all-star selections from across the U.S. The highlight of an extremely competitive weekend culminated in San Francisco’s U-14 team edge New York, 3-14 to 3-13, in a stunning display of Gaelic football. Equally exciting was New York’s victories in the U-10 and U-12 finals, which showcased the U.S. abundance of Irish football talent and skill.
The under-14 final saw New York get off to a blazing start with two goals by John McArdle and points each by Brendan Fennell and Gary McGurk in the opening five minutes. But substitutions by the San Francisco mentors had a huge impact on the course of the game and dramatically influenced the ensuing outcome.
San Francisco, propelled by Aidan O’Flynn’s 1-3, and P.J. Masterson’s 1-3, controlled the midfield to gallantly edge to a 2-point lead by halftime.
The second half saw New York on the offensive asserting their authority and regaining the lead behind a spectacular goal by Brendan Creegan, and points by Fennell, McArdle, Cannon and McGurk. With four minutes remaining, New York, now in full control, looked destined for victory with a scoreboard of 3-13 to 2-13. However, New York’s hopes were dashed when a stunning goal by Gary McGurk was nullified. San Francisco capitalized on the kick-out with a skilled four-man passing movement burying the ball in the New York net to equalize. The last two minutes saw a flurry of activity, including two costly misses by New York and Aidan O’Flynn scoring the winning point for San Francisco in the closing seconds of a climatic final.
New York scorers: Brendan Fennell 0-6, Michael Greaney, Ronan Coughlan, John McArdle 2-4, Justin Murray, Ray Bader, Gary McGurk 0-2, Brian Canty, Matt Hannon, Michael Cannon 0-1, Tom McVeigh, Brian Slattery, Kevin Hannon, Peter Cassels, Brian Donohue, Stephen Hughes, Joey Graziosa, Patrick Traynor, Barry Sullivan, Brendan Murphy, Brendan Mulroy, Brendan Creegan 1-0.
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In the under-12 final, New York asserted their authority, with a 4-6 to 2-3 victory over the host team. The enthusiastic New York supporters that filled Kezar Stadium on Sunday were treated to a display of spectacular passing, fiery determination and superb team play.
New York panel: Kevin Cullinan, goalie, Michael O’Sullivan, Peter Woods, Matt Mullins, P.J. Wagner, Lorcan Malone, Stephen Cassels 1-0, Patrick O’Driscoll 1-0, Chris Cassels 0-1, Michael Durkin, Kevin O’Driscoll 0-1, Tim Lynch, Eamon Nugent, Sean Twomey 0-2, Damian Cassels, Colm Murray, Brendan Cullinane, P. Cassels 2-2.
In the under-10 final, New York, using inventive play, dominated the game with a final score of 4-7 to 1-5 over San Francisco.
New York panel: Colin Murray, goalie, Kevin McArdle, Chris Fitzsimmons, Matt Mullin, Colleen Gilly, Pierce Cassels, Brendan Cullinan, John Power, Sean Twomey, Damien Cassels, Brian Twomey, Danny Cahillane, Michael Sullivan, Tim Lynch, Kevin O’Driscoll.