Gaelic games take over East Meadow

Players from England, Ireland, Canada and from across the United States are in East Meadow this weekend to compete in youth Gaelic football and hurling tournaments.
   
The Continental Youth Championships, sponsored by the Ireland-based Gaelic Athletic Association, runs through Sunday at Eisenhower Park.
   
The event features 150 teams with boys and girls from ages 8 through 18.

   
Event organizers say that the event was expected to attract 3,000 participants and 10,000 spectators. About 1,000 hotels rooms have been booked in the area, organizers said.
   
"It's basically the World Cup of Irish football," said Philip Hughes, a Long Beach resident and coach for the Long Island Gaels U-14 squad.
   
The Long Island Gaels roster includes players from Rockville Centre, Long Beach, Huntington and in other areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
   
On Friday morning, the LI Gaels U-14 squad lost to Team Toronto, which is composed of Canadian players from teams in Toronto, Ottawa, Durham and Brampton. The U-16 L.I. Gaels, who compete on team combined with players from the Bronx Celtics, were scheduled to take on Team Toronto at 2:45 p.m. on Friday.
   
Larger crowds are expected on Saturday and Sunday for Premier League upper division matches. Games are scheduled from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
   
Nassau County scheduled its Irish Night concert for Monday night at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the weekend tournament. It is the first time that Nassau is hosting the CYC Championships.
   
 “I invite everyone to Eisenhower Park this weekend to watch some very talented young athletes compete in these fast-paced games," said County Executive Ed Mangano. "I am proud that Nassau County is hosting these games for the first time and welcome visitors to all that we have to offer here."

Read the full story and see more photos in the Aug. 5 issue of the East Meadow Herald.