Philly Hosts Gaels from Across North America
August 14, 2012Philadelphia is looking forward to hosting the Gaelic Games this coming Labor Day Weekend; Friday, August 31st through Sunday, September 2, 2012. The venue is located along the banks of the Delaware River in the Great Northeast Section of Philadelphia. Gaels from all over North America will converge on the City of Brotherly Love; stretching from Toronto to Texas, Vancouver to Virginia, Denver to D.C., San Francisco to Seattle, and Boston to the Big Apple. The participating teams are being finalized throughout the Continent as Divisional Championships come to a Conclusion. An additional Playoffs' update will be forthcoming, as results come in.
George Washington led his troops across this same Delaware River into battle with the Hessians in 1776. Now 236 years later, we will see captains leading their respective clubs into action in pursuit of the North American medals and trophies.
Five Fields of Non-Stop Action await attendees, with the Ladies participating in Camogie and Gaelic Football, and the Men participating in Gaelic Football and Hurling. From the early hours of the morning to early evening, the playoff brackets will wind down to the finals, which take place on Sunday. Don't miss the Quarter- and Semi-Finals throughout Friday and Saturday, some great rivalries will be re-ignited. Shield Competitions will be held in select competitions for clubs which are eliminated.
Attendees can enjoy a Taste of Philly while cheering on their favorite teams. Jim's Steaks, serving up Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia for over 70 years, will be on-site, sizzlin' steaks that are smothered in your cheese of choice.
We will also have Breakfast Sandwiches, Irish Breakfast, Irish Scones, Coffee and Tea to start your day. Burgers, Chicken Fingers, Sausages, Chicken Curry, and Chips will be ideal for your mid-afternoon nourishment. Reward yourself with a cold beverage of your choice; whether you reach for an energy drink, a stout, or a lager.
Take a break from the action and stop over at our O'Neills Apparel Tent where you can get the best gear straight from the Emerald Isle. O'Neills have been outfitting clubs and counties worldwide since 1918, and have been sponsors of the North American G.A.A. for a decade.
Most Participants and Supporters will get a couple hours of rest at the beautifully renovated Sheraton, of Downtown Philadelphia, Center City, easily accessible to the Vine Street Expressway, and Interstate 95; just 15 minutes to the Playoff Pitches.
Tickets to the Event are available at a Daily Rate or a Discounted Weekend Pass. Children who are age 17 and Under are admitted for FREE.
Bus Transportation will be provided, free of charge, from the Hotel(s) to the Fields. Regular Schedules will be available and posted at the Fields and the Hotel(s).
Unwind at the nearby Irish Restaurants and Pubs. In the Northern Liberties section, along Spring Garden, you will find Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub. Three Floors of Fun, with Music and Libations, late into the night. Downtown, across from Love Park, awaits Tír Na nÓg Irish Bar & Grill. Live Music and Dancing, coupled with a Staff that wrote the book on Debauchery. Additional venues will be profiled, closer to that Weekend.
Updates of the Official Schedule are available on the North American G.A.A. website (www.NorthAmericanGAA.com). Also, links, and images of the Schedule will be provided on the Philadelphia G.A.A. website (www.PhillyGAA.net).
Friday, August 31st • Schedule • (http://www.sportsmanager.ie/uploaded/7521/2012_nacb_finals_schedule_fri.pdf)
Saturday, September 1st • Schedule • (http://www.sportsmanager.ie/uploaded/7521/2012_nacb_finals_schedule_sat.pdf)
All proceeds will benefit the New Gaelic Grounds in Limerick, Pennsylvania. Two (2) Full-Size Pitches, a Clubhouse with Offices and a Function Room, and Locker Rooms; a dream finally realized for Gaels throughout Philadelphia.
Pete McDermott
Peadar MacDiarmada
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Philadelphia
Oifigeach Caidreamh Poíblí
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