The adults pictured from left were Henry Djonbalaj, Father Brendan Fitzgerald, Lisa McKay Harris ( Deputy Parks Commissioner), John Rubbo (Majority Leader Yonkers City Council), Lakisha Collins (Yonkers City Council President ), Mayor Mike Spano, Danny Browne ( Chairman of The New York Minor Board), Steve Sansone (Yonkers Parks Commissioner), James Nolan (Westchester County Legislator 15th) and David J. Tubiolo (Westchester County Legislator 14th District). [Photo: Colm Kelly]
The New York Minor Board was officially established in 1970. Indeed a popular advertising slogan at the time was “Baby you’ve come along way” and in many ways that slogan captures the progressive path of the New York Minor Board. In the early days the fledging Board might be lucky to get a spot in Gaelic Park to play their games about early Mass time on Sundays. Other times they had to battle for scarce space in Van Cortlandt Park to host a game.
Well, since then the situation has changed dramatically as there are now 15 vibrant clubs, consisting of boys and girls, who play football, hurling and camogie. Games are played at Paddy’s Field (Woodlawn), Frank Golden Park (Queens), Rockland’s Facility (Orangeburg) and the recently developed playing fields and pavilion at Redmond Park (Yonkers). Testament to the great promotional efforts of the Minor Board is the fact that St. Barnabas, a team consisting of former Minor Board players, won the New York Senior Championship two years ago.
Well on Friday evening it was time to fully and formally acknowledge the major refurbishments of Redmond Park, and those responsible. Thus on hand were an array of Yonkers politicians, Parks Department officers, community leaders, GAA personnel and supporters along with dozens of young Gaelic players who will be the beneficiaries of this wonderful new facility. Parks Department Commissioner Steve Sansone kicked off the formalities by noting that the purpose of the gathering was twofold, firstly a celebration of all the accomplishments at Redmond Field so far, and, secondly a rededication of Redmond Park. Sansone noted all the improvements among, which included, fencing, netting, backstops, goalposts, bleachers, and making the main entrance and ramp operational along with new offices in the clubhouse. He noted that lights would be operational in the fall.
The commissioner stated that flooding had been a perennial problem but Yonkers had spent over six million to alleviate this nuisance. That included raising the level of the field, and installing new drainage and irrigations systems. The next speaker was Mayor Mike Spano, who was busy before getting to the microphone signing jerseys, football boots and hurleys for the throngs of youngsters. The Mayor thanked all involved for their “willingness to steadfastly move forward to make this monumental task a reality.” He noted that Council man John Rubbo, and County Legislators James Nolan and David Tubiolo had been staunch advocates all through the process, and that future upgrades will continue to be made to this beautiful facility.
Next to the mic was the Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy and she continued to reiterate all the achievements to bring this project to fruition, and simultaneously complimented all those involved. However she definitely got the attention of the youngsters present, mostly from the Rangers, Celtics and St. Barnabas clubs by posing the question, “who was going to win the championship?!”. Well those present certainly let their choice be known with a raucous response that was not short on decibels.
The City Council President passed off the mic to John Rubbo. He stated that this project was years in the works and that initially he was contacted by Henry Djonbalaj, the Yonkers realtor. Henry, a longtime Yonkers realtor, would be acutely aware of the importance of a highly functioning park and related facilities that would be a benefit to the neighborhood, and thus cajoled the politicians to upgrade the park situation. Also campaigning for better facilities for the New York Minor Board was John Phelan.
Rubbo stressed that a number of other sites were considered before settling on Redmond Field. He concluded that with great community involvement “Redmond Field has become the perfect, public, private partnership.” Next to the microphone was Danny Browne, the Chairman of the New York Minor Board. In sporting parlance Danny could definitely be regarded as the all-star midfielder and leader in this phenomenal project as he was unwavering in what some have labeled as a “Field of Dreams for Yonkers.” However before delivering his remarks, the Minor Board Chairman introduced Gareth Hargadon, Ireland’s Deputy Consul General to New York. The Monaghan native paid homage to all involved in this Trojan work, such as the legislators, volunteers and of course the Minor Board. Further he noted that the Irish Government would be very happy to see Irish culture and heritage being brought to the forefront in Yonkers. He concluded by noting the large number of youngsters present, assuring the future of Gaelic games was well guaranteed.
Danny Browne then read a message from the President of the GAA in Ireland. Jarlath Burns apologized for being unable to attend, but noted that this was a remarkable achievement, stressing that the Minor Board were unwavering in their commitment to establish a proper home for the GAA in Yonkers. It brought a vision to life. Further he hoped the Board would honor the legacy and the bravery of the park’s name holder, Hugh Francis Redmond.
The Chairman then continued his remarks first by welcoming the large crowd on the historic occasion, namely the official launch of Redmond Park as the future home of the GAA in Yonkers. He gave an overview of the path to the current situation by noting that Board initially focused on War Memorial Park and Hilltop Acres before eventually settling on Redmond Park, which seemed to be the optimal site. The spacious grounds afforded ample opportunities for developing playing fields and related facilities. He thanked Mayor Mike Spano, Steve Sansone from the Parks Department, Council man John Rubbo, Realtor Henry Djonbalaj and John Phelan (jr) for his legal assistance. The Chairman noted that John Phelan (Sr) was also present, the senior Phelan is a former Chairman of the Minor Board.
Danny also noted that he was fortunate to have a very strong committee working with him, among them were: Mike Brosnan, John Ryan, Shane Lynch, Gerry Loone, Mike Sullivan, Owen Cummins, Tommy Furlong, Mike Kennedy, Liam Butler, Caroline Martin, Keara O’Connor, Pat Mahoney, Dave Ryan, Caroline Murphy, Noel Cronin and John O’Neill. Perhaps it’s also noteworthy that many of these volunteers are former players and whose offspring are currently displaying their skills in hurling and football on the Gaelic fields of New York, as well as much further afield. He also acknowledged some of the major sponsors such as Tara Circle, J.T. Megan and Dime Bank. However the chairman thanked all who have contributed so far, but noted there is still work to be done, hence more contributions are necessary.
To that end he announced that Minor Board would be hosting a podcast titled “Talking Gaelic Games” with hosts Oisin McConville and Thomas Niblock on the 18 and 19 of October in St. Barnabas Auditorium. The special guests will include footballers: Seanie O’Shea, Tomas O’Shea (Kerry), Paul Conroy (Galway) and Mikey Brosnan (New York). Starring for the hurlers will be Brendan Maher (Tipperary), Tony Kelly & Shane O’Donnell (Clare) and James Breen (New York). This promises to be a very entertaining and insightful night as all-stars from the present and past share their views. All proceeds will go to benefit the Redmond Park Development project, an event not to be missed.
Meanwhile back to the ceremonial events at the field itself. Fr. Brendan Fitzgerald, a Kerryman, the pastor at St. Barnabas parish, probably the most Irish enclave you’ll find outside of Ireland, was on hand to bestow the Lord’s blessing on all involved in this wonderful project.
As noted this function had a two-fold mission, namely the rededication of Redmond Park and then, the Official Opening of Redmond Field. Before the Mayor and dignitaries unveiled a plaque dedicated to Hugh Francis Redmond, Steve Sansone gave a brief overview of his eventful and heroic life. Hugh Francis Redmond was born in 1919 and he served as a paratrooper in World War II, and later in the CIA, in their storied Special Activities Division. He was in Shanghai disguised as an ice cream machine salesman from 1946 to 1951, while gathering intelligence information on the Chinese Communist Party. While boarding a ship to return to the U.S., he was captured, tortured in a prison camp for 20 years, but he never admitted his involvement with the CIA. He died in 1971, the Chinese cremated his remains and, they were returned to the U.S. and buried in Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers. The plaque was supplied by the New York Minor Board.
Well for the main event all assembled at the main field entrance for Mayor Spano to cut the tape and declare the splendid park officially opened. The Minor Board made sure that the Mayor was not going to go home empty-handed. Shane O’Sullivan, from the St. Raymond’s Club and Eve Hanley, from St. Bridget’s Club presented him with a Minor Board jacket and polo shirt. Once the large gates were swung open, a massive wave of youngsters raced on to the field proudly decked out in their clubs’ colors to enjoy the pristine and spacious conditions. So let the games continue, and yes, baby, you’ve come a long way.
