Hurling Classic for Citi Field in Queens

The Clash of the Ash comes to Citi Field in November

 

By Irish Echo Staff

The Hurling Classic is hurtling down Interstate-95 from Fenway Park in Boston to Citi Field in Queens, New York.

One heck of a hurl. One heck of a game.

The classic will be played at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, on Saturday, November 16, this following last year’s clash of visiting Irish county teams at the home of the Boston Red Sox.

Again, four counties will compete in a three-game tournament for the Players Champions Cup. The visitors will include All Ireland champions Tipperary, 2018 champions Limerick, and perennial rivals Kilkenny and Wexford.

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The announcement of the New York classic was made by organizers Fenway Sports Management and Metropolitan Hospitality at Citi Field. The classic will follow the highly-successful hurling events at Fenway Park in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

The classic is being staged in partnership with the Gaelic Players Association, the Gaelic Athletic Association, and Aer Lingus.

This will be the first time in its ten-year history that hurling will be played at Citi Field in Flushing.

“We are thrilled to bring the ancient Irish sport of hurling to Citi Field this November,” said Heather Collamore, Vice President of Metropolitan Hospitality.

“Hurling is one of the most exhilarating games in the world and we think fans are going to love the combination of speed, skill and scoring. We are excited to have the fast-paced action featuring some of the most accomplished teams in Ireland on the pitch at Citi Field,” she said.

“Hurling is the one of the greatest games in the world and we’re excited to bring it to Citi Field in New York City,” said GAA President John Horan.

“The New York Hurling Classic will be a tremendous showcase for our sport and should excite every fan in attendance. Special events like this are important as we continue to grow the game and bring hurling to new audiences.”

Limerick will be defending the Players Champions Cup, having won the 2018 Fenway Hurling Classic with a 38-30 victory over Cork. The cup was first played for in the 2017 classic.

Aer Lingus will be flying the teams from Ireland to New York City.

“Aer Lingus is synonymous with bringing the best of Ireland to America and most particularly New York, which is why this event is such a great fit for us,” said Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Donal Moriarty.

“We are proud and delighted to be able to bring Ireland’s greatest sport to the city that never sleeps,” he said.

FSM’s Special Events team, an industry leader in the creation, planning, and execution of a broad spectrum of unique sports and entertainment events, will manage the logistics and promotion of the New York Hurling Classic.

“We’re excited to partner with the GAA, GPA and Citi Field to bring hurling to New York,” said Mark Lev, president of Fenway Sports Management.

“FSM is proud to play a role in growing hurling and showcasing the sport to new audiences in the U.S. The three events at Fenway Park drew amazing crowds, so whether you’re a fan of hurling or new to the sport, the New York Hurling Classic promises to be a can’t-miss event.”

Further details about the New York Hurling Classic will be announced closer to the event, said a release.

In addition to the hurling tournament, the event will feature an Irish festival complete with music and dancing. For more information about the New York Hurling Classic and to purchase tickets go to www.mets.com/hurling. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, August 28.

 

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