February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
New York GAA representatives confirmed this week that over the last month they have had several "very constructive" meetings with New York City officials and planners regarding a new playing surface on Randalls Island.
"We’ve made huge progress," president Monty Moloney said. "New York City are about to revitalize the island and we’re in with a great chance of getting a plot there."
Not owning its own field has long been the Achilles heel of the New York organization. Since its foundation in 1914, the New York GAA has moved from pillar to post. Rumors regarding the closure of Gaelic Park recently prompted New York Gov. George Pataki to reassure the exiles that they "would always belong in the Bronx."
Relationships between the many players in the complex equation have always been strained. The GAA claim they need better access to Gaelic Park, while Manhattan College, the lease holders of the city-owned facility, claim the GAA are getting "a fair deal."
"Gaelic Park will always be our home," Moloney said. "We’re just looking to the future right now and we need our own field and our own clubhouse."
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The New York GAA has failed in the past to acquire its own premises and property. Internal disputes and disagreements have embarassed the Big Apple association while other cities like Boston and Chicago have built state-of-the-art facilities.
"Our dream is finally taking shape and we just hope and pray that nothing arises to dash it; that’s all we’re going to say right now," Moloney said.