Irish American teens claim Féile glory in Ireland - again!

Teenage Irish American Gaelic players made a strong showing once again at this year's John West Féile na nGael (hurling and camogie) and Feile Peil na nÓg (Gaelic football) competitions in Ireland.

Féile is the all-Ireland club festivals for hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders, and handball at the under-15 years of age level.

The GAA says: "A core aim of Féile is to promote a philosophy whereby every player has the opportunity to participate and play in their respective Féile tournament at a level commensurate to their age, skills, and strengths."

The New York girls' Gaelic football team won the Féile Peile na nÓg National Division One Final on Saturday, June 29.

The matches were played out at the Connacht GAA Centre, Bekan, Co Mayo.

"The U15 Feile girls participated in the John West competition today, winning all three games and securing a spot in the semi-finals," the New York-based Gaelic 4 Girls group said on social media on Saturday.

Indeed, the New York panel beat Kilmacud Crokes 2-7 to 2-2, Ballincolig 2-6 to 0-1, and Claregalway 3-2 to 0-4.

The team then faced off with Hollymount in the semi-final, which they won 1-5 to 0-2.

For the final, New York beat Desmonds 2-2 to 0-5.

"Our girls showcased excellent football skills throughout the day, emerging victorious when the final whistle blew," Gaelic 4 Girls said.

"Congratulations to the team and management for not only winning but also clinching the title for the third consecutive year."

Also on Saturday, the New York boys Gaelic football team drew with Galway-based Clg Mícheál Breathnach in the Feile Peil na nOg National Division One Final, meaning the two teams are co-winners and will share the cup.

The boys' matches were also played at the Connacht GAA Centre, Bekan, Co Mayo.

In round one, New York beat Westport GAA 2-5 to 0-4. Another victory followed in round two where New York beat St. Brigid's 1-2 to 0-4. In round three, New York beat Ballincolig 1-6 to 1-2 and in the semi-final, New York beat Clane 3-5 to 0-3.

As the New York Minor Board noted on social media, it was the first time the boys' team had reached a cup final since 2017.

It was a dramatic end to the New York boys' big run on Saturday when their match against Clg Mícheál Breathnach went to extra time but remained level at the end, 0-7 to 1-4. As per the rules, if both teams are still level, they are named co-champions.

The Irish American footballers' big wins came after the New York minor hurling team was crowned the John West GAA Féile na nGael 2024 Divison 4 Champions on June 22.

The New York hurlers beat Naomh Bríd 2-6 to 1-4 in round one, Enniskillen Gaels 0-2 to 2-7 in round two, and Gusserane O'Rahilly's 1-7 to 1-1 in round three.

For the semi-final, New York topped Cluainín iomáint 2-6 to 0-1 and went on to beat Carrickmacross Hurling in the final, marking New York's first-ever All Ireland Feile Hurling win.

Meanwhile, in another historic moment, the Camogie Féile celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and for the first time ever, New York was represented.

The team came within just one point of bringing home the Shield trophy against Éire Óg Greystones on Saturday, June 22.

After the three big victories, the New York Minor Board said on social media: "Gaelic Games are in a good place in New York with wins for the boys football, boys hurling, and girls football.

"Well done to all players and management.

"An unbelievable achievement."