Gaelic Life 32 April 19 - April 25, 2012 Global Gaels \\ EXTRA TIME GLOBAL GAELS... TYRONE NEW YORK Investing in youth... One of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Tyrone New York club has been the establishment of their underage coaching programme, with children as young as four and five years of age, both boys and girls, coming along to their weekly training sessions. Their Saturday morning gather- ings regularly attract up to 26 young- sters, all keen to sign up to the Ty- rone New York experience and to be the future stars of the club. Adminis- trative obstacles have thus far limited their opportunities to promote them- selves more widely and to fully par- ticipate in competition, but it is im- possible to hold back progress when there is so much enthusiasm and mo- mentum driving it forward. The club’s youth development offi- cer is Greencastle native Tracey Ann McCullagh, who has herself enjoyed a decorated footballing career which last season saw her play a key role for the New York ladies side in their march to the All-Ireland Junior final. She believes that the underage pro- gramme has been a huge success so far, and is just the first step in the club’s ambition to eventually field teams at all levels from under-8 through to senior level, in both mens and ladies codes. “It was something which had been talked about for a few years, but last year we actually got it up and run- ning. Of course it is still in its infancy, but we are delighted with the level of progress we have made and the sort of numbers we have had involved in the programme. “In the first instance, we reached out to the Tyrone people out here, and they responded wholeheartedly. But over time we are seeing that ex- pand through word of mouth as the numbers continue to increase.” A NEW YORK GAA SCENE...A section of some of the youth that Tyrone NY GAA are bringing through the ranks, on the Gaelic Park pitch, with the famous traintracks behind The club last year put twelve of its members through coaching courses Ireland senior final the previous year. and the boss insists that no stone will different way of life. You work hard self and Kieran Campbell came out facilitated by New York GAA, and As they prepare to get the 2012 be left unturned in their pursuit of and play hard, the chance to do for the break during the league and they will continue to grow their campaign underway, the manager is that senior title which has eluded things you simply don’t get to do at Championship with Ardboe, and coaching staff as the programme ex- confident that his side can once again them for so long. home. I’d advise any young person to played three months with Tyrone pands, and the necessity for more challenge for honours. “Last year we had some outstand- try it at least, even if only for the here. It was very enjoyable, and hope- coaches increases. “There has been a big turnover al- ing footballers, they put the head three months of a summer. At the end fully I’ll get the chance to pull on the “Simon Gillespie is the New York right, but I think that Tyrone New down and in the end we have only of the day if it doesn’t work out, boots for them again this season. Games Development Officer, and he York will always be there or there- ourselves to blame for not winning you’re only a plane ride away from “When you join up with a club out has been very helpful to us. He has abouts. There’s a pride and a passion that final. We came close, and the home.” here, it’s all about the networking. worked closely with our club every associated with this club that few oth- challenge for us now is to take that You get to meet new people, if you’re step of the way, and everything we ers can match. core group of players, build on it, and playing for a club out here then you’ll have needed in order to make this “Last year we had a lot of players try to go that one step further.” always get a bit of work and a place to happen he has assisted us with, so we from all over Tyrone, but then we had One of the key components of Don- The social network... stay, you’ll never be stuck.” are very grateful to him for that.” other lads from across Ulster and be- nelly’s team will be his fellow Dro- All-Ireland winning midfielder Mick- Coleman recognises that the in- Last year their sessions were ran yond. But if you traced it back far more man Conor McNabb. He made ey Coleman is certainly no stranger tense work life which many players alongside soccer coaching which was enough there were usually Tyrone the move to New York in May 2007 to Tyrone New York, with an associa- endure, with early starts and long taking place at the same time, and roots there somewhere, even Sean and insists that the New York experi- tion going back more than a decade. days, can have a detrimental effect on their sporting counterparts were fas- Armstrong from Galway whose ence is one which any young foot- The Ardboe singer-songwriter has their ability to train. However, he cinated by the new game they were grandfather was from Fintona, and baller here should try if the opportu- made the move to base himself in the points to the fact that the standard of watching being played in front of Niall Farrell from Meath whose previ- nity presents itself. Big Apple, and is currently coaching football on show goes through a them. Tracey Ann hopes that before ous parents come from Carrickmore “| came out here for work at the the New York side ahead of their Con- marked increase in quality as the sea- too long, those youngsters and many and Errigal Ciaran. start, but quickly got involved in the nacht championship opener next son goes by. more like them will have the opportu- “It didn’t even need to be said, be- football side of things, and to be hon- month. He certainly recognises the With four county players allowed nity to try out Gaelic football for cause it goes without saying that the est it was the best move I ever made. importance to immigrants of being to join each club on summer sanc- themselves, and through time go on Tyrone New York jersey is to be worn You get to meet and make friends part of a GAA club when they are tions, it means that the end of the to pull on the white and red jersey of with pride. Many moons ago I wore with boys who you would never have abroad, and insists that being in- championship sees clashes with eight Tyrone New York. one myself, and it was hard earned. crossed paths with at home, even volved with an established and deco- county men on the field. “We started out by reaching out to When you wear it, you give it every- though they’re only 20 minutes up the rated club like Tyrone New York can The most important aspect of it all the Tyrone people here, simply be- thing.” road, but out here you’re all the one, make a huge difference when estab- though is the shared identity of play- cause it was easier for us to make a Last year they lost out to a Leitrim and it really is like one big family. lishing yourself in those new sur- ing their native games, the competi- connection with them. The ultimate outfit who made it back-to-back title “It’s a better way of life out here I roundings. tive spirit, and the opportunity to be goal is of course to have a coaching wins in the New York senior decider, think, better weather and a totally “I used to come out and play for Ty- part of something which is held so programme which contains children rone here regularly. At that time it special by so many. from all backgrounds, including was the weekend sanctions, you “The first priority for people over those who may have no Irish connec- could have come out here and played here is work, it has to be. The football tions at all and who just want to expe- a game on the Sunday, flew home and definitely has more of a social slant to rience our games. For us, it’s about played a game for your club again on it, a chance to meet up and share that spreading the GAA into communities the Monday night. That has changed common ground. It keeps that whole and areas where it would not normal- obviously, and you’re not allowed to ethos of what you grew up with. It ly reach, while at the same time build- do that any more. definitely helps you out and helps ing the future generations of Tyrone “I played here again last year, my- people to settle.” New York players and helping to safe- guard the future of our club.” On the edge of glory... Colm Donnelly took over the reins It goes without saying that the Tyrone New York as the club’s senior team manager for last season following his move to New jersey is to be worn with pride.