Beginning: 2002-2005
Hurling was first played in Indianapolis on Sunday July 7, 2002, when a
seven-on-seven match was played following the wedding of one of the club
members. The club was founded shortly after and played ad hoc games every
Wednesday night for more than a year with Peter Mackey of Waterford offering
instruction. Neal Mulrooney and Shane Powell, natives of Dublin and Longford
respectively, reformed the club in the fall of 2005, bringing with them a deep
love of the game and leadership for the club's future.
2006
Indy GAA/Indy Hurling began 2006 by marching in the Indy St. Patrick's Day
Parade. Soon after, the Indianapolis Hibernians Kevin Barry Division became
involved in the club thus boosting membership. Pino Gelato/Sataria became the
sponsors for the Indy Hurling Club providing team kits and supplementing travel
expenses. Connor's Pub and Pat Flynn's Pub sponsored the COED Indy Hurling
League where every Sunday the clash of the ash could be heard on the Lake
Sullivan Pitch where league games were played. The Indianapolis Hibernians,
Celtic Equipment, ETA tickets, and Heraty Consulting also teamed up with the
Indy GAA to help grow the organization.
Also in 2006, Colin Conlon of County Tyrone was named coach of the hurling team
and Ian Heraty of County Mayo was elected Cathaoirleach of the Indy GAA. History
was made in the summer of 2006 when the club welcomed its first female member,
Brenda Gallagher of County Down, a former All-Ireland Camogie Finalist.
Pat Flynn's Pub won the Spring Indianapolis Celtic Cup beating Connor's Pub
convincingly 5-15, 3-8 and posting a 3 -2-1 record against Connor's Pub. The
2006 Spring season ran from April to June. The teams met two times in the fall
splitting. Indy Hurling Senior Team went 3-1 against Indiana rival Purdue GAC.
Club Man- Stephen Quigley Outstanding Player - Brian Church Most Improved - Kyle
LaPrees Outstanding Junior Hurler - Kevin McMahon Cathaoirleach-Ian Heraty, An
Leas Cathaoirleach-Stephen Quigley, An Runai/An Cisteoir-Ryan Doyle,
Promotion-Matt Davis, Youth Officer-Bob Finley, Grounds-Kyle LaPrees,
Coach-Colin Conlon
2007
The 2007 season started with our second showing at the St. Patrick's
Day Parade followed by a joint training session in Chicago Gaelic Park with
teams from across the country St. Louis, Chicago, Seattle, Washington DC,
Milwaukee, Purdue University. League play opened shortly afterwards with
O'Connor's Pub taking the title over Pat Flynn's Pub.
The team won the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio and also competed in a
tournament in Akron, Ohio. Indy Hurling also hosted their first hurling
tournament, the First Annual Indy Hurling Blitz at Habig Field in Carmel,
Indiana. Ciaran Connery took over the coaching duties and led Indy hurling
towards a new level of competitiveness and skill. In our first year at the
Junior C North American County Board Championships, we defeated Seattle and lost
to eventual runners-up, St. Louis. The U18 Juniors placed second in the Junior
National Championships in Chicago, Illinois.
Cathaoirleach-Ian Heraty, An Leas Cathaoirleach-Ciaran Connery, An Runai/An
Cisteoir-Brian Mathes, Communications-Rob Harrington, Grounds-Peter Mackey,
Promotions-Andy Hazel
Club Man- Ciaran Connery, Outstanding Player � Mike Monaghan, Most Improved � ,
Defensive Player (silver sliotar)- Rudy Nehrling, Offensive Performance (bronze
hurley)-Tim Fick, Hustle (broken hurley)- , Outstanding Junior Hurler -
2008
The 2008 campaign again began with the Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade,
with the club doubling its numbers for the event followed by a full day of
promotion at various events around town.
The Indy Hurling League expanded to four teams represented by Connor's Pub, Pat
Flynn's Pub, Fionn MacCool's Pub, and Bloomington Irish Lion. After eight
weekends and twenty games played both in Indianapolis and Bloomington, the
Bloomington Irish Lion team took the Indy Hurling League Championship.
The club again won the Dublin, Ohio Irish Fest Tournament and competed in
matches in St. Louis, Lafayette, Bloomington, Akron, Chicago, and Boston. The
Second Annual Indy Hurling Blitz was another great success as was the First
Annual Indianapolis Kevin Barry Ancient Order of Hibernians Tournament won by
Indianapolis with teams from Chicago and St. Louis participating.
After the disappointment of last year's championship, the Indy GAA displayed
their desire and heart winning the 2008 Junior C Championship in commanding
fashion.
First Round.........Indy 3-7 Vs St Louis 1-9
Second Round.....Indy 1-16 Vs Philly 1-8
Semi Final...........Indy 6-13 Vs Milwaukee 1-7
Final....................Indy 5-9 Vs Chicago Cusaks 2-11
The Championship team will now advance to the Junior B pool for the 2009
Championships in Boston, MA.
Cathaoirleach-Neal Mulrooney, An Leas Cathaoirleach-, An Runai/An
Cisteoir-Mathis, Promotion-Michael Monaghan, Grounds-Peter Mackey, Coach-Ciaran
Connery.
Club Man- Ciaran Connery, Outstanding Player � Mike Monaghan, Most Improved � ,
Defensive Player (silver sliotar)- Rudy Nehrling, Offensive Performance (bronze
hurley)-Tim Fick, Hustle (broken hurley)- , Outstanding Junior Hurler -