John Carroll Shamrock Game Irish Day Tailgate South Belvoir Blvd and Wasmer Field October 12, 2024
The first annual Shamrock Game was played at John Carroll University on Saturday October 12, 2024 between the Blue Streaks of John Carroll and the Capital Comets at Don Shula Stadium at Wasmer Field. JCU won 49-14. Before the game there was a tailgate party which featured Irish food, Irish music from WUJC and fun sponsored by the Bluestone Hibernians and others.
The day included performances by the Irish American Club East Side Pipe & Drums.
Irish American Club East Side Pipe & Drums
Irish American Club East Side Pipe & Drums piping in the football team
Before the game, Mary Agnes Kennedy sang the national anthem of Ireland and the US. Mark Owens, Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Ohio did the ceremonial coin toss.
Honorary Consul Mark Owens coin toss
Watch a video of the above events (IACES Pipe & Drums, coin toss and anthem) including an explanation of what a Hibernian is from Francis McGarry.
At halftime there was a Gaelic Football demo from the Gaelic Athletic Association. We asked Vince from the Cleveland St. Pat's - St. Jarlath's Gaelic Athletic Association about the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Cleveland area teams. He explained that the national sports of Ireland are Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie which is hurling for women.
Cleveland St. Pat's - St. Jarlath's Gaelic Athletic Association offers Gaelic Football, Hurling & Camogie for all ages. In this video, Vince explained the games for those who might just be aware of American football.
Since it was Irish Day we had some fun with Irish trivia. During the tailgate Dan Hanson walked around and asked a few Irish trivia questions to people. Two were simple (he thought) - Name a US president of Irish heritage and Name an Irish Band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The third was harder - Name the Irish boxer who has a statue in Cleveland's Battery Park. He was a featherweight boxer who held the world featherweight title from 1912 to 1923, the longest period in the division's history. He was the second longest world title holder in boxing history, behind only Joe Louis. Nobody got that question right but it was a lot of fun. You know the answers, right?
Watch the video.
It was a great first annual event and we look forward to next year's Irish Game Day. Here are a few photos from the event.
***
Stay informed about the local Irish community and the other ethnic groups in Cleveland by signing up for the free Ethnic Cleveland eNews mailings. It's easy and free. Fill out the form for the free Ethnic Cleveland eNews.
