GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 20 – February 22, 2015 | Page 16

New York GAA, with over 40 adult clubs as well as youth
and U18 sections, though separate from the NACB, will
start off their year around April. They will begin with
knockout cup events and continue through the year with
extensive league and championships.
The NY GAA were asked by tournament organizers to
choose a panel for the GAA World Games outside of the
players selected for the elite New York County team panel,
and New York duly obliged. New York’s senior, intermediate and junior clubs were given the chance to select one
player each, which allowed for an even spread of representation for the games. The panels therefore see a blend
of both Irish and American born players on both squads.
Of an initial 14 men’s selection, 6 are American born
(with many having club experience in Ireland) and the
rest are Irish. The Men’s Team is captained by Sean Kelly
and managed by John Riordan, while Linda McKeon will
captain the ladies team which is managed by Paddy Curtis. Selectors are Mike Stones and Simon Gillespie.

“A veteran of football, the GAA World Games is sure to be a
highlight for Rosie and her talented panel of players which will
blend American and Irish players just as much as their male
counterparts,” said John Riordan who is also NY GAA PRO.
“Both teams know that it will be a tough tournament with two
days of intense competition in much warmer temperatures.
Preparations have been hampered by the worst New York winter in recent memory but both sets of players are up to the challenge and will be making no excuses.
“The New York County Board has been happy to be on board
with this historic event which has been organized so efficiently
by the Middle East GAA. It will be a great occasion for the
International GAA and the Irish community of Abu Dhabi.
We wish luck to the organizers and all teams involved,” said
Riordan.

SOUTH AFRICA is bringing two teams to the World
Games and will be competing in the Ladies and Men’s International World Cup sections at the games.

Any Team coming from New
York will be well coached,
but with the city still in the
throes of a harsh winter,
training preparations outdoors will have been hindered.
The Ladies Team 12 player
panel has 6 Irish players
and a creditable 6 American born players. Linda
McKeon from Longford is
captain. The driving force
behind the New York Ladies
is as Cavan native and player
Rosie O’Reilly.

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South Africa Men’s Team on Irish 2014 Tour. (Photo: South Africa GAA)