After several years of hard work and fundraising, the Philadelphia GAA finally opened its new field complex in Limerick, PA on October 4! The day featured sports competitions, dancers from the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance, and the $100 Development Draw.

The highlight of the day was the showcase of football and hurling games. The first game of the day was between St Joseph's University Football Club current players and alumni with with current players wining. The Kevin McCartan Cup mens competition was hard fought between the Kevin Barrys, Young Irelands, St Pats, and Pittsburgh. St Pats were victors of the competition beating the Kevin Barrys in the final. Allentown Hurling Club defeated Pittsburgh to take home the Joe Lyons Memorial Cup. Ladies football was played between the Notre Dames, Baltimore, and Washington, DC Gaels teams. Glenside Gaelic Youth Club also participated showing the importance of this field complex for the future of the GAA in Philadelphia.

The best competition of the day was the Over 40s Match - Northeast Philly v Upper Darby. With no extra energy to use, the game ended with a draw with no extra time played in order to determine a winner. The final match, The Eddie Fitzsimmons Memorial Cup, was an Ireland select team verse an American-born team which resulted in a win for team Ireland. The Eddie Fitzsimmons Memorial Cup is the newest competition in Philadelphia. It is in memory of Eddie who passed away this past summer. He was an avid GAA footballer, referee, and manager in Philadelphia and in his home county of Antrim.

A huge thanks to everyone who supported the event including those who bought tickets for the $100 Development Draw. The three winners were Paul McCarthy-1stprize, Hugo McLoughlin-2nd prize, and Raphael Portugal-3rd prize.

The Philadelphia GAA is looking forward to the upcoming 2015 season and the continued success of the Limerick field complex.

For more coverage and photos of the event, check out this great article on http://irishphiladelphia.com/2014/10/field-of-dreams-2/

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