This week is dominated by Gaelic sports. On Sunday, July 20, it’s football all afternoon at Cardinal Dougherty High School in the city’s Olney section, starting at 1 PM when the Young Irelanders face off against the Kevin Barry’s. At 2:30, a national team comprising Irish-American players from all over the country will take on the locals, the Eire Og club. It’s a “practice” for the national team, but don’t expect any of the Eire Ogs to take the gloves off. That game will be followed by a Junior B matchup: St. Patrick’s versus the Kevin Barrys.
If you’re planning to attend, understand that there are only a few places in the shade where you can pitch your lawn chairs. If you have a tent, bring it. And tote plenty of fluids and ice. It’s supposed to be a scorcher. And don’t forget the sunblock. You are Irish, after all. We don’t really tan, we just develop skin cancer.
Also on Sunday, the Philadelphia Donegal footballers (Four Provinces) face the New York Donegal team at Gaelic Park in New York at 4 PM.
On Thursday, July 24, the Continental Gaelic Youth Championship games kick off with a parade in West Chester prior to three days of matches involving kids from all over the country. It’s quite a coup for Philadelphia’s Gaelic Athletic Association to be hosting the games and an estimated 3,000 people are expected at the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association in Malvern over the weekend. The GAA is turning the facility’s 14 soccer fields into 10 Gaelic sports fields, so you know there’s always going to be a game to watch.
Take some time out from sports to listen to some music and do a good deed too: On Saturday, July 26, Angelina Carberry and Martin Quinn will be appearing at the Coatesville Cultural Society. The following day at Brittingham’s in Lafayette Hill, Team Ratty Shoes will be holding a benefit to raise money for research into multiple sclerosis, a crippling disease affecting mainly young adults.
The Irish Times pub and restaurant in Philly’s Queen Village has launched a new session with legendary fiddler Harold Dunn every Thursday night, starting at 8:30 PM. Queen Village is a happening place and Eamon Lyons’ new pub has great food and drink at great prices. And you can discuss the latest sport news with Eamon, who is often seen out on the field himself.
