For the third year in a row, the Cayman Islands national Gaelic football men’s A squad has won at the United States Gaelic Athletic Association finals, this time in the Junior Premier competition.
The Cayman men’s A team dominated throughout the tournament, which featured regional divisions in the US, teams from Canada and Mexico, and invited Caribbean nations, en route to beating Dallas 2-12 to 1-09 in the semi-final.
However, the Cayman men initially lost to the Young Irelanders Philadelphia 5-10 to 2-14 in the final, but that was overturned because the US team had fielded ineligible players, so Cayman was awarded the trophy.
Cathal McGrath, chairman of the Cayman Gaelic Club, told the Compass, “Once again, the Club’s performance at this year’s USGAA Finals highlights the improvements and developments the Club has made in recent years.
“Landing our third divisional championship in as many years, this time at Junior Premier level, is a testament to the hard work put in and commitment shown by all players and management in the post-domestic season training camp to prepare for the finals.”
Outside of overcoming adversity and winning the final, Cayman also made history by sending the biggest contingent to the event with a record 110 players across five teams – ‘A’ and ‘B’ men’s and ladies’ football teams, and a hurling team.
The Cayman men’s B team competed in Junior C competition where they faced Houston Gaels in their semi-final and, despite giving it their best efforts, they lost 1-14 to 0-04.
However, both women’s teams dropped out at the quarter-final stage. Team A suffered a defeat against Clan na Gael from San Francisco, with the game ending 5-10 to 3-10. Team B faced fellow newbies Indianapolis, but they too failed to deliver the victory, losing 1-15 to 2-07.
The Cayman hurling team were granted a bye straight through to the Junior A Hurling Final against Michael Cusacks from Chicago. The team battled hard but were ultimately beaten 2-23 to 0-06 by very strong opposition.
Related Videos
