The town of Hoboken, New Jersey, is a virtual puck-out ‘cross the Hudson River to New York City.
Hoboken has seen many young Irish immigrants arrive in this bustling urban center over the past 25 years but up until last year hadn’t witnessed any Gaelic sports history in recent generations.
Some 150 years ago however, Hoboken – though famously associated as the birth place of Baseball – was also an epicenter for hurling in America with Manhattan teams making their way to the town to play each weekend. And, hurling may have seen its very first US organised game played in Hoboken in the late 1850s.
At the time, the Kenmare Guards hurling team, who had lived in New York’s notorious ‘Five Points’ area, played in Hoboken and their name was honoured last year when a new Hoboken club was formed – the Hoboken Guards.
Club founder, first generation Irish American, David Cosgrove, as a youth recalled going to Gaelic Park with his Dad and brothers – his father had played there – and David wanted to reconnect with the ancient game.
Tipperary men, Declan Hogan (Vice Chairman) and Conor Costigan joined the ranks and helped get the young club off the ground – they now act as player/coaches.
GaelicSportsCast spoke recently to Mr Cosgrove about this progressive new club and their forthcoming participation in the brand new New York GAA Junior Hurling Championship at Gaelic Park.
