Saint Patrick's Celebrate their Victory of the Jim Harvey Memorial League Cup 

Those familiar colors have been making an Appearance at the Gaelic Field adjacent to the shuttered Cardinal Dougherty High School during the last four (4) weekends. The Green & Gold of Tir Chonaill, repackaged as the Saint Patrick's Gaelic Football Club.

Over the past couple years, the Club redirected their focus on a Rebuilding Process centered around a Youth Program, which was composed of mostly American Born Players. However, the Calendar has changed, and so has the face of this club. Their Selection of Sanction Players and the Return of Other Players are making a lot of noise within the Philadelphia G.A.A.

Two Weeks ago, on Sunday, June 10th; their gifted American Born players lifted the Bill Drake Memorial League Cup, with a win over the Philadelphia Éire Óg boys. I'm sure that piece of Hardware became well acquainted with a majority of the finest spirits in Jack Quinn's Lamplighter Tavern.

Then last Sunday in the Jim Harvey Memorial Cup League fixture, Saint Pat's pummeled a depleted Kevin Barrys team by a score of 8-15 to 1-05; to advance to the Final.On Sunday, June 24th, the Saint Pat's Club lifted the Second Piece of available Silverware in Philadelphia Men's Football; the Jim Harvey Memorial League Cup by a Scoreline of 3-12 to 0-11. Jim Harvey was from Donegal Town, and was a Great Ambassador of the Games here in Philadelphia. When his name is mentioned, it is with reference and respect by all that knew him.

Saint Pat's led at the Half by a Score of 1-05 to 0-07, the minimum. The Young Irelands weren't getting a ton of scoring opportunities, but when they were available, they were slotting them over. With just twenty minutes gone, the Young Irelands were reduced to Twelve, after Referee Joe McGinn displayed the Red Card. Young Irelands put six points on the board before registering their first wide of the day. They would finish the half with just two wides. Scores came off of Declan Gormley, Patrick O'Hara, Martin Curran, and Sean McTernan.

Saint Pat's were struggling to convert their fluid play into scores during that first half, kicking five wides and lobbing two gifts straight into the Keeper, Shane Callaghan's hands. It was near the short whistle with 27 minutes gone that Stevie Robinson sent the Size Five into the back of the net, putting just a point between them. Scores came off of Ciaran Porter, Stevie Robinson, and Lee Moore.

The Second Half resumed and both clubs couldn't find the target as shots were sailing just outside the posts. Both clubs made adjustments and the shooting improved. Young Irelands kept matters close till the 45 minute mark, but signs of fatigue were starting to show. The Man Advantage was starting to open the cracks in the Young Ireland's façade. The loss of workhorse, Adrian Mark, to injury only compounded their problems.

Midfielder Lesley Stevenson was thrown onto the top of the 20 meter line to create havoc for the Saint Pat's backline. The Demand was there but the Supply of Ball was scarce. Instead of dropping balls into the Big Man via Express Airmail, they were going in Three Days Ground Parcel, and to the Wrong Address. Then, they tried forcing balls into closed corridors, that should have been popped over the bar.

High Tide was coming, and the Flooding started. Liam O'Donnell got loose inside the Large Parallelogram, but was denied by Shane Callaghan. Moments later, Lee Moore slipped inside his Defender, but his shot was also turned away for a 45 meter kick. The '45' was beautifully converted by Matt Crossan, with plenty to spare. That point was the beginning of the end.

The next time Liam O'Donnell got away from his marker, his shot was stopped again; very uncharacteristic based on past performances from 'OD'. Shortly thereafter, Lee Moore pointed from play with his back to the Uprights. American Born, Conor Canavan, never left his side; but whenever Moore did find the space, he usually converted. The next ball came into Lee Moore and with a bit of dummying and sidestepping he was all alone with only Keeper, Callaghan to beat. Callaghan had no option but to pull him down, and the ensuing penalty was converted by Moore. Another fine '45' from Matt Crossan, and Liam O'Donnell wasn't to be denied again, as his third time was the charm for a Goal. Scores for Saint Pat's came from John Docherty, Ciaran Greene, Lee Moore, Liam O'Donnell, Stevie Robinson, and Matt Crossan.

Up next Sunday, is the Kevin McCartan Memorial Tournament Cup, which will be a Seven-a-Side Format. Most would put the Favorites Tag on the Saint Pat's Club, but within days the Landscape of these teams could and will change.

Just a fortnight away from the Start of the Championship, and over three (3) weeks to acquire the Services of Outside Help before the July 20th Deadline; those who have help coming will be welcoming it with open arms.

Predictions? I'll respectfully decline. We all know Saint Pat's will most likely be adding a few more, including a New Keeper (no disrespect intended, Mr. Cannon). The Kevin Barrys have a couple landed and it's rumored that there's more coming shortly. Young Irelands must add to their panel, after today's final.

Saint Pat's have scored Eleven (11) Goals in the last two (2) games. Any opposing clubs ringing for Players, you may want to try for a Couple of Backs.