On 5th May - Allentown, Pennslyvania hosted the NACB-sponsored "Alexander Campbell" cup in glorious sunshine. 5 teams from 4 states battled it out for the honors. Allentown, the victors of last year's tournament started brightly with an impressive 2-6 to 0-3 victory over the fast-improving Baltimore Bohemians. Allentown scored 1-3 in the last 5 mins to seal victory. TJ Hursh (1-3) and Jay Ehritz (1-1) were the dynamic duo upfront for the Hibs. Their speed and precision shooting was a joy to watch. Tom Schlek, Bill Freeman (0-2) and Brenden Tourish were Baltimore best players in a fine game of hurling.

Next up was Hoboken Guards who comprehensively beat a gallant DC Gaels on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-1. David Cosgrave and Mike Kenneally were Hoboken's scorers in chief. Matt Cain, playing against his former teammates, gave an faultless display of defending for the Guards as they ran out comfortable winners. Pittsburgh, under the stewardship of Pat Sweeney, recorded their first-ever victory. Scoring 3-10 to DC's 0-2. New entrants to the NACB, Pittsburgh played some flawless hurling and deserved their victory. They then played the revitalized Baltimore Bohemians who had the Cappoquin-native, Diarmuid Coughlan (1-2) at his majestically best. Tourish (1-2) Freeman (1-1) also chipped in to get Baltimore victory on a scoreline of 5-5 to 1-2.

The game of the day was next. Hoboken versus Allentown. This was a passionate affair with the game ebbing and flowing from one end to the other. Lochlann McEvoy got Allentown off to a great start with a well-worked goal. Hoboken hit back with some well-taken points. Just as it seemed that Hoboken would run away with the game points from Danny O'Donnell and Sean O'Neill and a Hurch goal gave Allentown hope. Hoboken responded with Centre-foward Finbarr Clare(0-2) and PJ Kilkenny (0-2) giving them the edge in this tense affair on a 1-6 to 2-2 scoreline.

Hoboken and Baltimore was another game that was close up to the last 8 minutes. However, injury to the mercurial Coughlan and Hoboken's experience gave them a 4-7 to 1-2 victory and the cup. In the final game of the day, Hoboken beat the tiring Pittsburgh on a 6-8 to 0-3 to claim the 1st place of 20 hurleys. In the earlier games, Allentown accounted for Pitt (4-9 to 2-0) and DC (3-5 to 1-2) - Maged Boules, Mike Friel & Treevor Collihan particularly impressive in defence and John Driscoll, Dave Mahon and Hurch upfront. Mid-Atlantic rivals Baltimore and DC drew with the only camogie player, Casey Troy, scoring 2 goals. Baltimore's Goalkeeper Donie O'Donoghue came to his team's rescue with a goal from 20 yards and Clonmel-native, Kevin Tobin, scored the equalizing point from a 80 yard free.

Allentown 2012 development tournament was a rip-roaring success. Sincere thanks to Jeff Purtell/Allentown for hosting the event with plentiful supply of sandwiches, water & Taytos. Great credit must go to Colm Egan (NACB) for generously supporting the event. Each team got sliothars and Helmets which was much appreciated by all clubs. Finally - credit must go to the following coaches for getting their squad ready for this early season tournament:

Baltimore: Eric Zink, Kevin Tobin & Donal O' Donaghue
DC Gaels: TK Kinealy, Eric Shadowens & Roy Rayburn
Allentown: Dave Mahon & Pat O'Donnell
Pittsburgh: Pat Sweeney
Hoboken: David Cosgrave


The standard of hurling has improved greatly as it is getting harder to tell an native hurler from a local hurler. The Junior C tournament at the NACB finals promises to be a fantastic event. Final mention of thanks to Paul McCarthy who refereed all day. His support, explanation and instruction to players was outstanding. A true Celt.

Other reports:

http://www.ydtalk.com/hurley/
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh-county/index.ssf/2012/05/allentown_club_holds_irish_spo.html

Alexander Campbell - An Irishman and member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians wrongly executed in Pennslyvania. His hand-print is the symbol used by the Allentown Hibernians Hurling club on their team's crest.
http://www.thecobrasnose.com/xxghost/handprint.html Tweet

Most Read Stories