MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch Irish Fest Edition | Page 2

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It just so happens that I was lucky enough to meet Councillor Liam Carroll, Galway
County Mayor, at Irish Fest this year. Mr. Carroll will be welcoming the team to Loughrea
and will be watching them play. He said, “I’d be delighted as mayor to welcome the MHC.
I’ve googled you! I met Dave Olson on Thursday and I’m delighted to host this great club.
We know you’ll have a fantastic time. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The MHC members traveling to Ireland will be hosted by the town of Loughrea,
which is about twenty miles from Galway City. According to Mr. Carroll, The festival will
consist of matches against some serious competition, appearances by guest stars like
Galway’s own Canning clan, and plenty of fine entertainment and food. The Mayor also
added that Loughrea has a very strong team and although Galway is a dual football and
hurling county, Loughrea concentrates on hurling. A hurling champion himself, Mr.
Carroll said hurling is the “best and most skillful sport in the world” and this festival will
be a chance to celebrate our love of hurling and extend a hand of friendship to so many
different clubs.
With the over 10,000 visitors joining the MHC for the festival, Galway, and all of
the clubs in the area have pulled together to help make the festival a success. Mr. Carroll
says that all of the staff for the festival are volunteers for the GAA organization, just like
Irish Fest and the MHC. Be sure to thank the volunteers and everyone you meet in
Galway.
Mr. Carroll mentioned before getting back to his post at the Galway booth, “When I
look around I can’t remember if I’m back in Galway or if I’m in Milwaukee because
everyone here is so kind.” We feel the same about you, Mr. Carroll, and look forward to
gathering with you soon!
See next page for sneak peek of Loughrea!