Tipperary's Seamus Callanan celebrates with the Liam McCarthy trophy after the All Ireland final victory against Kilkenny at Croke Park in August. INPHO/RYAN BYRNE
By Irish Echo Staff
Tomorrow’s New York Hurling Classic at Citi Field in Queens comes with some classic musical entertainment.
Organizers are promising “a lively Irish festival” leading up to the first game of the tournament, complete with Irish music, dancing and more.
The Irish Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and will be highlighted by unique performances at the Citi Field Fan Fest Area, including performances by the NYPD Pipes & Drums, a show by McManus Irish Dance & Jiggy Tots, and a live concert by The Prodigals, an Irish punk band that has performed at Madison Square Garden.
Said a release: “Additional all-ages entertainment throughout the concourse will include: the Irish Arts Center, which will be teaching Irish language basics; the Shannon Gaels GAA, a New York City-based youth hurling organization; the New York Irish Center, an Irish community center in Long Island City; Send in the Clowns, which will provide face painting; and Irish Network NYC, a professional and social networking hub for the Irish community in New York City.
“There will also be an opportunity for fans to test their hurling skills hitting a sliotar with an Irish hurley with the winner receiving a pair of tickets to a 2020 New York Mets game.
When the day gets down to hurling Limerick will defend the Players Champions Cup, having won the 2018 Fenway Hurling Classic, with Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny also competing.
The New York Hurling Classic is being produced by Fenway Sports Management and Metropolitan Hospitality, in partnership with the Gaelic Players Association, the Gaelic Athletic Association, and Aer Lingus.
Gates at City Field will open at 11 a.m. with the three-game tournament beginning at 12.30 p.m. more at www.mets.com/hurling.
