Charlotte Gaelic Football

James Connolly’s Women’s - First Win in Atlanta (July 21, 2007)

The James Connolly’s women’s team traveled to Atlanta, GA, for a double-header on July 21, 2007, playing two long-established GAA teams -- Na Fianna and Clan Na nGael -- in midtown Atlanta at Piedmont Park. Charlotte gathered a team of 10 players -- down from 19 who played the prior weekend in a match against the DC Gaels in Bethesda, MD. With supplemental players from both Atlanta clubs, the Charlotte ladies pulled off their first-ever win against Na Fianna, capping off a tremendous first season. Final score was 2:7 (13 pts) versus 1:9 (12 pts) with Charlotte winning by a competitive margin of one point. After a brief rest period, the Charlotte ladies quickly recharged and played a subsequent match against Clan Na nGael. Congratulations to the women's team for finishing their first season strong. Big thanks go out to coaches, Bill Carroll and Francis O’Kane, for their exuberant coaching and untiring dedication to building and developing the women’s team. Also, a big thank you to the Charlotte men’s team for their support throughout the season.

On July 14 the Charlotte GAA traveled to Washington DC to compete against the DC Gaels and Baltimore. The men's A squad took on DC, the men's B squad took on Baltimore and the Charlotte women took on the DC women.

Results:
                        Half        Final

Charlotte A       2-4          5-12  W
Washington      3-7          4-9    L

Charlotte B                         L
Baltimore                           W

Charlotte Women                L
Washington Women           W

On Saturday, June 23 the Charlotte GAA, in association with Connolly's on Fifth Irish Pub, held the 5th annual Connolly's Cup Invitiational Tournament. On a beautiful, sunny Carolina afternoon men's and women's teams from Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington DC competed for the right to take home this years trophies! Over 300 competitors and fans were on hand at the Overcash Soccer Complex in Concord to watch the players take the field.

In the first men's match of the day the host Charlotte took on the DC Gaels. It was a physical and closely played match, but in the end it was Charlotte winning the match. CLT: 5-11, DC: 2-8. After a short break Charlotte took to the pitch again to take on their old rivals Atlanta Clan Na nGael. Charlotte took an early lead, but started to wane late in their second match of the day. Fortunately the lads found their second win and Charlotte pulled out ahead in the end. CLT: 3-9, ATL 0-9. With limited subs available, the lads from Atlanta took the field after a short break, but they were no match for the squad from DC. At the whistle, it was DC winning this one. ATL: 1-8, DC 5-11. At the finish of the day it was the host team, the Charlotte James Connolly's Team, keeping the Cup for another year!

For the first time in the short history of this tournament a women's draw was held. And by the enthusiasm and level of play demonstrated it certainly won't be the last! The first match on the women's side was Charlotte vs Atlanta Clan Na nGael. This match pitted a young Charlotte team, in only their third match, against last year's second place finishers at Nationals. From the start it was obvious that the Charlotte ladies were outmatched, but they continued to fight hard and hold their heads high. At the whistle it was Atlanta getting the nod. For the second match of the day it was Atlanta taking on Washington DC. Although this match was a little closer the outcome was the same, Atlanta winning in the end!

Charlotte James Connolly's made the short trip to Atlanta the second weekend in June to take part in the annual Clan Na Gael Seven-a-Side Gaelic Football Tournament. This was held in blistering heat at the Atlanta Athletic Complex. Charlotte travelled with 2 men's teams and 2 ladies' teams, comprising 35 players. Charlotte A emerged victorious in the Mens Competition, accounting for Atlanta A and B and St. Louis A and B, while Charlotte B put in some great performances, particularly in their second game against Atlanta, before finally succumbing to a couple of late scores. The highlight of the weekend was the performance of the 2 ladies teams who were playing their first competitive games ever in Gaelic Football against their more seasoned opponents, Clan Na Gael and Na Fianna. Our ladies did themselves proud, displaying great committment in all the games they played. A big thank you to Francis and Bill for all the hard work they have put in. Thanks also to Rickie for helping out with the men's B team and to our 2 supporters Amy and Karen who also made the trip (and who made the Beer run!) A big thank you also to our gracious hosts Atlanta Clan na Gael and we look forward to locking horns with them again on the 23rd of June for the Connollys Cup in Charlotte.

News & Announcements

Team Results