Hurling, Legends and Leprechauns
By RONAN DEANE
The Calgary Tournament on August 5 and 6 delivered on so many levels it is difficult to know where to begin. In no particular order, here are some highlights from an excellent weekend, both on and off the field.
The field and facilities are a credit to the Calgary Irish Rugby Club. Greg and Carole, behind the bar, made everyone feel welcome. Derek walked around and chatted with anyone watching the games. Ron Hughes had the field line in perfect GAA fashion. Top notch.
The Bunratty Hall (home of the Calgary ICS) was beautifully decorated, for an excellent roast beef dinner, enjoyed by all.
Stephen's Green (the band) was fantastic and kept revellers on their feet until the wee hours. (Certain Harps footballers were also very grateful for the lift into town.)
The night will be remembered also for an outrageous leprechaun dancing spectacle. If you weren't there, your eyes can be thankful. If you were, I feel your pain.
Hats off to all the referees, who stood in the hot-spot. The players, though they have trouble expressing it themselves, are very grateful for your patience and stick-to-it-ivity.
The Legends Game
This year, the Calgary Chieftains invited former players (over 40, under 100) to come out. The Zimmer-frames were left at home, and big names like Doyle, Tuohy, Connolly, Fitzgerald and Whelehan took to the field, hearkening back to a Golden age.
Some rested. Trevor Stewart and Steven Kane notables on the side-line. Christy Whelehen must have been drinking from the Fountain of Eternal youth as his rip-roaring display earned him the Legends MVP award.
Hurling: B.C. vs Alberta
Hurling hit the fields of Alberta after a long hiatus. To close out a very successful tournament, the Chieftains scoured the province to find hurleys, and found them. Special thanks to Owen O'Connor (doubt-cha Owen).
John Egan (Cork) stepped between the posts for Alberta. Calum Bonnington (NZ) was solid in defense, with Robert Murphy (Westmeath) contributing some fine Seventies. In his debut, Mike West (Calgary) registered some points. Peter Mulally (Kilkenny) and Colm O Connell (Waterford) played well for B.C., but Rita Burke took the plaudits. What is it about a girl with a stick!! In the end, the result was a fair one.
The Calgary Chieftains
To arrange a tournament as involved and well run as this one was, can only be achieved through hard work and co-ordination. On behalf of everyone who enjoyed your hospitality, Thank you! We look forward to 2007.
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