Boston Northeast Monday Night Football

Rory O’Donnell reports out from Canton: The final game of the day on Monday, June 13th, at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton was yet another intermediate battle between Christopher’s and Shannon Blues. The game took off to a quick start with a fast point from Christopher’s, however the Shannon blues were not far behind, shooting 3 points from play in the first five minutes. Christopher’s kick outs managed to find themselves in the hands of Maurice young for the Shannon Blues more often than not, with some good teamwork play between Pat Murray and Young in the middle of the field dominating the first half of the game,

After a quick water break the Shannon Blues got right to business with Rian Bailey taking a mighty shot on goal. A few more handy points were tipped over the bar by both Michael Moylan and Maurice young – both players showing great potential in the front of the field. Christopher’s bounced back with points from James Horgan and Killian Kilkelly.  Christopher’s keeper Bill Crookston made a number of good saves throughout the game.  Michael Moylan took a run at goal in the final minutes unfortunately missing narrowly and putting the shot over the bar

Overall it was a strong game of football with plenty of good hand passing and shots on goal!  Final score, Shannon Blues 1-22 Christopher’s 0-10.

Man of the Match: Michael Moylan

if you want to follow along for more fixture reports from Rory visit: http://gaaboston.com/reports/

The GAA says, “Be Internet Legends”

The GAA rolls out an anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Program to 100 GAA clubs in 2022 in partnership with Google

The GAA, in partnership with Google, on 13 June 2022, launched its anti-bullying and internet safety program to over 100 participating clubs from the GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie Associations in Ireland and Britain, targeted at the 9 – 12 years age group.

As part of the Gaelic Games, Give Respect – Get Respect initiative, this program incorporates Google’s Be Internet Legends initiative, an existing free, online safety education program for primary-age children helping them to become safe and confident explorers of the online world.

The program helps children bring the respect and values they learn on the field into their online interactions encompassing learnings and activities in the areas of anti-bullying, developing positive behavior and staying safe online.

This program mirrors the Give Respect – Get Respect initiative which promotes respecting fellow players, coaches, referees, opponents and officials; playing fair; treating others equally; setting an example; and creating an environment where children feel confident and comfortable to talk to a coach or adult if they have a concern.

Speaking at the launch the GAA President Larry McCarthy welcomed the involvement of the Gaelic Games Give Respect – Get Respect initiative in this program. He said:

‘This is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness around the need for young players to show respect for referees, fellow players, coaches and opponents, both on and off the field of play.

‘It is the Association’s intention to further develop the ‘Respect Initiative’ over the period of our recently launched Strategic Plan and this new Anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Program will be supported and closely monitored.’

Speaking in Croke Park this morning, Shane Nolan, Director, New Business Sales, EMEA, Google Ireland, said:

‘At Google Ireland, we recognize the responsibility that we have as a company to protect and support the users of our products. We need to play our part in ensuring that the internet is an accessible resource to all and that it’s used in a positive way. We are delighted to build upon our already successful partnership with the GAA to deliver the Be Internet Legends program to even more clubs and children across the country. Google Ireland is committed to helping empower young people to act wisely, responsibly and safely all the while remaining confident explorers of the online world.’

Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers T.D, speaking at the launch said:

‘I am delighted to support and help launch this important initiative. Abuse of our players, coaches, referees and volunteers is unacceptable and must be called out – whether it occurs on the pitch, in the training grounds, up in the stands or online. This initiative underlines the commitment of the Gaelic Games family to tackling the scourge of bullying and to protect and safeguard all those who participate. The initiative equips young people to identify and learn how to respond to online abuse and bullying, with the learnings then applied to a sports setting. I congratulate the GAA and partners Google on this welcome and important initiative and look forward to it being rolled out to children in clubs across the country.’

North’s first LGBTQ Inclusive GAA Club gains more than 50 members in six weeks

Claire Simpson of the Irish news reports, “The first LGBTQ Inclusive GAA club in Northern Ireland has gained more than 50 members just weeks after it was set up. Aeracha Uladh was set up in late April by Martin Murray, a drag artist who performs under the name Danu Variant. “We have 53 people at the minute,” he said. “We have around 20 to 25 regularly showing up to training sessions. “We’ve gone up to two training sessions a week now. “It’s now Saturdays and Tuesdays. “I’m very happy with it.” The club trains at Cardinal O’Donnell’s GAC on Whiterock Road in west Belfast.

“They also put up a Pride flag to welcome us,” he said. “We have different coaches from different teams to come down and help us on Saturdays. “The Tuesdays are more of a social kick-about.” Mr Murray said the majority of members had never played Gaelic games before. The club now has a formal committee and aims to play some friendly matches, including against East Belfast GAA. Mr Murray said the club is keen to attract more female members. “We’d like to reach 15 members just so we can have a constant team,” he said. Mr Murray helped organise the north’s first LGBTQ sports day at the Ulster University campus in Jordanstown on Saturday. “In terms of Ireland, we came up with an idea to do one in each province,” he said. “There was an open day in Cork a few months ago but this was the first event we’ve organised where there are sports activities.” Mr Murray said the day allowed people to try out sports including Gaelic football, soccer, rugby, polercise, skateboarding and longboarding. “Originally it was supposed to be a recruitment day for the GAA, football and rugby teams but I got chatting to other organisations and they were happy to jump in,” he said.

For further information on Aeracha Uladh, visit the club’s Instagram via instagram.com/aeracha_uladh_gac.

Attention Youth Clubs- Sign up for Liberty Bell and CYC today!