Week five of the 2011 MHC season was witness to some of the best hurling so far this season. All the teams played incredibly well, even though the score may not always indicate as much. In many ways this is difficult for all teams. For those teams looking for their first wins, it becomes frustrating to be so very close so often but not be able to turn that corner. For the teams with a winning records, it becomes a challenge to maintain that standing; not letting the team slip or become cocky and complacent. And then there are the teams in the middle, struggling to improve their record to make the play-offs.
It may seem rash to speak about the play-offs this early in the season. But, make no mistake - that is exactly what we are all striving to do - earn the right to represent our sponsors, and play with our teammates a few more times in the play-offs. Every team still has the chance, and more importantly, the capability to go all the way. Now, clearly, is not the time to relax; its time for us all to step up our game.
But, with the realization of that opportunity also comes a certain responsibility to the club and our sponsors. For the club, we all need to attend as many practices as possible. We can all help each other learn and improve our game. Attendance is poor at practice, and in some cases, absences cannot be helped. However, those that show up to practice continually will improve and their teams will be better for it.
Likewise, we need to remember to support our sponsors, and we need to let them know that we are supporting them. The easiest way is to attend our scheduled events at sponsor locations - round robins. But, even if you cannot attend those, try to make it out to our sponsors occasionally and let them know that you are from the hurling club. Quite often our sponsors do not know all of us in the club and have no idea that we are there supporting them. Make sure to let your server or bartender know that we appreciate them.
As we move onto the second half of the season, remember that the wins are not predetermined, but rather the result of hard-work, team effort and a little bit of luck. Each one of us can effect our teams outcomes. But, you have to be willing to put in the work and dedication to do so. In the end, it is work the effort - the celebration becomes that much sweeter
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
MHC week 5 Game Recaps
Trinity Rebels vs Packy's Dublin BluesThe first game of the day saw the Trinity Rebels facing the Packy's Dublin Blues on a wet Father''s Day morning game. Both sides scored quickly, foreshadowing what would be a closely contested match. The wet conditions would take their toll however as a Rebel fullback rolled his ankle. EMTs Tim Sulik and assistant Brenna Olson were on hand to help the injured player off the field. The Dublin Blues managed to gain a slight lead as the Rebel side adjusted to the lineup change.
Although the rain had stopped by the second half, Mother Nature would still have a say in game play. The sliotars were very wet, causing several miss lifts and wides. Additionally, the mornings rain opened the door for a muggy afternoon. Trinity seemed to fall to these conditions and could not seem to gain any ground against Packy's. For their part, Packys continued to point and increase their lead throughout the second half. Late in the fourth quarter, Trinity began to put together a push as they had the previous week, nearly winning them that contest, but it was too late. Packys over took Trinity with a final score of 2-17 to 3-4
Slim McGinn's vs The Irish PubThe muggy conditions remained for the Slims/Irish Pub match slug fest. Both teams played a tough physical, yet clean game. The Ninja midfield, led by Matthew "Parkay" Goelz and Colin Whitney, was quick setting the pace for the first half, setting up a few opportunities to score. Slim's defense answered, not allowing many scores, and the Ninjas inadvertently sending a few shots wide. Slim's also had a few opportunities to score, seeing them pull slightly ahead of The Irish Pub with a half time score of 0-6 to 0-3.
The second half was similar to the first half. Both sides fought for the sliotar, moving play all over the field. Slim's Midfielder Vinny "Where's Waldo Socks" Moloney found some opportunities to score advancing the Slim's lead. By the fourth quarter, the short Irish Pub side was gassed. Though they continued to play just as physical as ever, Mother Nature seemed to have taken her told as the Ninjas lost a step. Slim McGinns held onto their lead, defeating The Irish Pub Ninjas with a final score of (Score).
Ale House Marauders vs Brocach BanditsAle House Marauders took the field against the Brocach Bandits for the final game of the day. Both teams were clearly eager to play. Brocach quickly put up the first point of the game. This did little to deter the Marauders as half forward Ryan Brown put a zinger of a shot into the back of the Brocach net. The Bandits answered by attacking right back and sending multiple shots over the bar. By half time, Brocach had pulled slightly ahead of Ale House, but were under no illusions that the game might be in hand.
The second half started much in the same way as the first half had, with a quick score by Brocach. The Bandits passing, especially on offense kept the ball on the Ale House side, wearing away the Marauder defense. Ale House, though, seemed to convert much of the time that play ended up in the Brocach defense. The Bandits never gave up their lead however, and managed to pull even further ahead on the excellent play of the entire offense. Bandits Adam Blackwell and Jamie Phillips seemingly appearing out of no where to convert points or set up teammates for scoring opportunities. As the sun began to break through the clouds, just in time to set, the final whistle blew signaling the win of Brocach over Ale House with a score of 7-17 to 7-8.
Although the rain had stopped by the second half, Mother Nature would still have a say in game play. The sliotars were very wet, causing several miss lifts and wides. Additionally, the mornings rain opened the door for a muggy afternoon. Trinity seemed to fall to these conditions and could not seem to gain any ground against Packy's. For their part, Packys continued to point and increase their lead throughout the second half. Late in the fourth quarter, Trinity began to put together a push as they had the previous week, nearly winning them that contest, but it was too late. Packys over took Trinity with a final score of 2-17 to 3-4
Slim McGinn's vs The Irish PubThe muggy conditions remained for the Slims/Irish Pub match slug fest. Both teams played a tough physical, yet clean game. The Ninja midfield, led by Matthew "Parkay" Goelz and Colin Whitney, was quick setting the pace for the first half, setting up a few opportunities to score. Slim's defense answered, not allowing many scores, and the Ninjas inadvertently sending a few shots wide. Slim's also had a few opportunities to score, seeing them pull slightly ahead of The Irish Pub with a half time score of 0-6 to 0-3.
The second half was similar to the first half. Both sides fought for the sliotar, moving play all over the field. Slim's Midfielder Vinny "Where's Waldo Socks" Moloney found some opportunities to score advancing the Slim's lead. By the fourth quarter, the short Irish Pub side was gassed. Though they continued to play just as physical as ever, Mother Nature seemed to have taken her told as the Ninjas lost a step. Slim McGinns held onto their lead, defeating The Irish Pub Ninjas with a final score of (Score).
Ale House Marauders vs Brocach BanditsAle House Marauders took the field against the Brocach Bandits for the final game of the day. Both teams were clearly eager to play. Brocach quickly put up the first point of the game. This did little to deter the Marauders as half forward Ryan Brown put a zinger of a shot into the back of the Brocach net. The Bandits answered by attacking right back and sending multiple shots over the bar. By half time, Brocach had pulled slightly ahead of Ale House, but were under no illusions that the game might be in hand.
The second half started much in the same way as the first half had, with a quick score by Brocach. The Bandits passing, especially on offense kept the ball on the Ale House side, wearing away the Marauder defense. Ale House, though, seemed to convert much of the time that play ended up in the Brocach defense. The Bandits never gave up their lead however, and managed to pull even further ahead on the excellent play of the entire offense. Bandits Adam Blackwell and Jamie Phillips seemingly appearing out of no where to convert points or set up teammates for scoring opportunities. As the sun began to break through the clouds, just in time to set, the final whistle blew signaling the win of Brocach over Ale House with a score of 7-17 to 7-8.
Friday, June 17, 2011
What the hell is Hurling?
I've been asked many times what Hurling is...
So, I figured it might be a good idea to write it down.
Hurling is a rare sport in that its origins are ancient - over 3000 years old, but it is still relevant and as intense (more so, in fact) as other modern sports like baseball, football, and soccer. Hurling looks like many other field sports. The goals look like soccer goals, but with football/rugby style uprights. Players carry sticks called hurls or hurleys that look like a cross between baseball bats and field hockey sticks. The ball itself, called a sliotar, looks nearly identical to a baseball; upon closer inspection though the seams are sewn differently. Players are lined out similar to soccer. But for all of those similarities, hurling remains distinctly separate from other sports.
Other than when a team scores or the sliotar goes out of bounds, play does not stop. The sliotar is in constant movement. This is largely due to two rules that are not found in any other sport.
The first rule is that a player cannot hold the sliotar in their hand for more than four steps or the time it would take to move four steps before hitting it away, or resetting it off of his hurley.
The second rule reinforces the first. A player may not have the sliotar in hand more than two times in a row. This mean that if a player catches or lifts the ball, they can take their four steps and then reset it off of their hurley, take four more steps and then must hit it away.
What these two rules really do, and why they are so significant is that they change the fundamental strategy of the game. Soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse and other field sports all rely upon the idea of possession; hurling does not. Basic strategy deals with movement, dynamic play. Everything must be done on the go, making hurling one of the most fluid enjoyable and beautiful games to watch.
MHC Week Four Editorial
The Milwaukee Hurling Club has always prided itself in the level of compedativeness within its club play. More significantly, that we are competative while maintaining the friends and family feel we all enjoy on the sidelines and at the Round Robins. We all want to win and the pressure to do so is often incredibly high, leading to disagreements on the field. In recent weeks, that level of competition has increased to dangerous levels.
In the past two weeks, two Red Cards have been issued. Both of them involved agressiveness that is partially the hallmark of competative play, but also disent towards the refereeing staff. It may sound odd that aggressive behavior from hurlers is unacceptable, but we must all remember that the MHC is a community of people and should treat each other in that manner.
Another large part of this issue is that players are talking back to referees. This is known in the rulebook as disent, and is a cardable offense. But it goes beyond that, talking back to a ref not only shows disrespect, but also distracts one of the main people charged with keeping us all safe.
Do referee's miss calls? Yes, that happens, especially in a game with a field as big as we play on and with as many people are on the field at a time. Players must also keep in mind that our Referees are often reluctant volunteers, not professionals. These often are not people who volunteer not because they think they would be good referee but because they recognize that we cannot play with out someone to do that thankless job. The next time you have a complaint about a ref who has missed a call, or called something wrong, perhaps you should consider yourself in that position.
Regardless, being competative while necessary also needs to be tempered with a bit of respect and common sense. Winning at all costs is not the MHC way. We do not import players from Ireland to wear our jersey's for traveling team because to do so would be a mockery of what we have built here in Milwaukee. We excell because of our love for the game of hurling and the comradery we show each other. Using competition as a scapegoat for disent or being physically aggressive above and beyond that necessary to play the game is a disservice to the MHC and all of our members and supporters. By all means play tough and play hard, but also remember that we'll all be hanging out together after the match and going to work on Monday.
In the past two weeks, two Red Cards have been issued. Both of them involved agressiveness that is partially the hallmark of competative play, but also disent towards the refereeing staff. It may sound odd that aggressive behavior from hurlers is unacceptable, but we must all remember that the MHC is a community of people and should treat each other in that manner.
Another large part of this issue is that players are talking back to referees. This is known in the rulebook as disent, and is a cardable offense. But it goes beyond that, talking back to a ref not only shows disrespect, but also distracts one of the main people charged with keeping us all safe.
Do referee's miss calls? Yes, that happens, especially in a game with a field as big as we play on and with as many people are on the field at a time. Players must also keep in mind that our Referees are often reluctant volunteers, not professionals. These often are not people who volunteer not because they think they would be good referee but because they recognize that we cannot play with out someone to do that thankless job. The next time you have a complaint about a ref who has missed a call, or called something wrong, perhaps you should consider yourself in that position.
Regardless, being competative while necessary also needs to be tempered with a bit of respect and common sense. Winning at all costs is not the MHC way. We do not import players from Ireland to wear our jersey's for traveling team because to do so would be a mockery of what we have built here in Milwaukee. We excell because of our love for the game of hurling and the comradery we show each other. Using competition as a scapegoat for disent or being physically aggressive above and beyond that necessary to play the game is a disservice to the MHC and all of our members and supporters. By all means play tough and play hard, but also remember that we'll all be hanging out together after the match and going to work on Monday.
Slim Pickings for the Tracks Hounds
The second match of the day saw a light Slim McGinn's (4-0) face the dogged Tracks Hounds (2-1). Slims was down a few player and needed a couple of substitute players to fill in. Tony Gaar and Aislinn Leonard stepped up to help Slims out in this regard. As we have come to expect from both teams, this match was a dazzling display of skill mixed with physical tenacity.
As the game began, it was clear to all the spectators that this would be a tough game for both sides. The defensive play was superb and dominated the game keeping the scores down for both sides. By half time, Slim's managed to slip slightly ahead of the Hounds, but the game was certainly up for grabs during the second half.
As the second half started, defensive play continued to be just as tough as ever. The Slim's Goalie Andy Haugh made several key plays often running out of the goal; in effect, playing as a fourth fullback with colorful jersey and socks. While midfielders Vinny Moloney and Mike Hoffman battled things out in the middle of the field, a fight broke out on Track's defensive end sending a Slim's player off the field with a red card. The would not change the outcome of the game as a few minutes later, the whistle blew with Slim McGinn's defeating the Tracks Hounds 14-8.
As the game began, it was clear to all the spectators that this would be a tough game for both sides. The defensive play was superb and dominated the game keeping the scores down for both sides. By half time, Slim's managed to slip slightly ahead of the Hounds, but the game was certainly up for grabs during the second half.
As the second half started, defensive play continued to be just as tough as ever. The Slim's Goalie Andy Haugh made several key plays often running out of the goal; in effect, playing as a fourth fullback with colorful jersey and socks. While midfielders Vinny Moloney and Mike Hoffman battled things out in the middle of the field, a fight broke out on Track's defensive end sending a Slim's player off the field with a red card. The would not change the outcome of the game as a few minutes later, the whistle blew with Slim McGinn's defeating the Tracks Hounds 14-8.
Rebel Leader Claims Bandits Are Good Hookers; Bandits Collect Their Trick
Sunday morning, 9:30 a.m. is early for anyone, but for the Trinity Rebels (1-2) and the Brocach Bandits (3-1), it was the perfect time for a spirited match. The game got underway with exceptional play from both sides. The score would remain close the entire half, neither team gaining a solid lead. Both teams' were quick to the ball creating swarms of green and silver as both sides fought to gain possession of the sliotar. By half time, the Bandits managed to pull a few points ahead of the Rebels.
The second half Brocach was on fire. In addition to the hustle that both sides displayed in the first half. the Brocach side stepped up its man to man play on the offensive side of the ball. Rebel Captain Pat "P90" Foley later claimed, "Man, you guys frustrated us with those hooks... you guys have a lot of good hookers." The third quarter saw a gap in score with Brocach (20 points) out distancing Trinity (8 points) who had failed to score the entire quarter. The final quarter was not to be the same.
As the final quarter began, Trinity turned up the heat, determined not to be counted out of any fight. Brocach only managed one point the remainder of the match, while Trinity scored goals and points seeming at will. As the Rebels flooded the Bandits' Defense, the Brocach side had a difficult time fending off such a dogged attack. In the closing seconds of the match, Brocach caused a penalty on their own 20m line giving Trinity a chance to tie the game and send the match into overtime. It was not to be though. Moments after the shot went wide, the final whistle blew allowing Brocach another win and a chance to breath a sigh of relief at holding off the intrepid Trinity Rebels with a final score of 21 to 20.
The second half Brocach was on fire. In addition to the hustle that both sides displayed in the first half. the Brocach side stepped up its man to man play on the offensive side of the ball. Rebel Captain Pat "P90" Foley later claimed, "Man, you guys frustrated us with those hooks... you guys have a lot of good hookers." The third quarter saw a gap in score with Brocach (20 points) out distancing Trinity (8 points) who had failed to score the entire quarter. The final quarter was not to be the same.
As the final quarter began, Trinity turned up the heat, determined not to be counted out of any fight. Brocach only managed one point the remainder of the match, while Trinity scored goals and points seeming at will. As the Rebels flooded the Bandits' Defense, the Brocach side had a difficult time fending off such a dogged attack. In the closing seconds of the match, Brocach caused a penalty on their own 20m line giving Trinity a chance to tie the game and send the match into overtime. It was not to be though. Moments after the shot went wide, the final whistle blew allowing Brocach another win and a chance to breath a sigh of relief at holding off the intrepid Trinity Rebels with a final score of 21 to 20.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Preseason Prep
In just over a week, the Milwaukee Hurling Club will be having its sign up at Trinity Three Irish Pubs in downtown Milwaukee. For the returning members of the club, this is as much of a social event as it is administrative. Its a chance to see old friends and meet new ones. It is also the point in time where we can no longer hide the fact that the season is about to begin, and some of us may have been slacking during the winter freeze.
Getting ready for the hurling season can be difficult, especially those that may not have anyone to practice with. However, there are several ways to knock the rust off before the preseason training begins. After all, who wants to show up looking like a chump?!
Dan McAuliffe, the first American to be invited to the annual Poc Fada, says that after time away from the game, your hands are the first thing to go. So, lets start with that - getting our hands back. Here are a few simple things you can do around the house to get yourself ready to start catching the sliotar more.
This is simple enough, carry the sliotar around with you. When ever possible, keep it in your hand. This builds muscle memory which will allow your hand to automatically conform to the shape of the sliotar without you thinking about it. The less you have to think about while playing, the better you will do.
This is particularly important for clubs in America where we have not grown up with the game. One of the reasons the Irish-born players dominate is that so much of what they do they do not have to think about - they just do it. being brought up with hurling has given them the muscle memory that allows them to concentrate on other aspects of the game.
Play Catch with Yourself
When you find yourself sitting still, watching television or some other activity that does not require much attention, throw the sliotar up and catch it in the same hand. This should be done absentmindedly. Most experts believe that the typical American watches 4 hours of television a week. Imagine how many catches you would have if during only a quarter of that time you spent tossing and catching the sliotar!
Learn to Juggle
This may seem like an odd skill, however juggling is all about hand to eye coordination. In hurling this is incredibly important. Hand to eye coordination allows us to do everything from striking the sliotar, to judging if a shot is wide, to making a block down or double. And again, because this is done with the hands and sliotar, you gain more touches and get a better understanding of how the ball moves.
In the end, its all about Repetition.
More touches means less thinking in the end. For those of us in the Milwaukee Hurling club, it also means we can get up to speed quicker. The loose translation to that is that the sooner the rust is knocked off, the sooner we do not have our trainers yelling in our ears about messing up basic skills!
And lets face it, who wants to spend time with friends messing up the basics. You want to go out there and have fun! So, put in a little work before the season starts. It will pay off in the end.
Getting ready for the hurling season can be difficult, especially those that may not have anyone to practice with. However, there are several ways to knock the rust off before the preseason training begins. After all, who wants to show up looking like a chump?!
Dan McAuliffe, the first American to be invited to the annual Poc Fada, says that after time away from the game, your hands are the first thing to go. So, lets start with that - getting our hands back. Here are a few simple things you can do around the house to get yourself ready to start catching the sliotar more.
- Get More Touches
- Play Catch with Yourself
- Learn to Juggle
This is simple enough, carry the sliotar around with you. When ever possible, keep it in your hand. This builds muscle memory which will allow your hand to automatically conform to the shape of the sliotar without you thinking about it. The less you have to think about while playing, the better you will do.
This is particularly important for clubs in America where we have not grown up with the game. One of the reasons the Irish-born players dominate is that so much of what they do they do not have to think about - they just do it. being brought up with hurling has given them the muscle memory that allows them to concentrate on other aspects of the game.
Play Catch with Yourself
When you find yourself sitting still, watching television or some other activity that does not require much attention, throw the sliotar up and catch it in the same hand. This should be done absentmindedly. Most experts believe that the typical American watches 4 hours of television a week. Imagine how many catches you would have if during only a quarter of that time you spent tossing and catching the sliotar!
Learn to Juggle
This may seem like an odd skill, however juggling is all about hand to eye coordination. In hurling this is incredibly important. Hand to eye coordination allows us to do everything from striking the sliotar, to judging if a shot is wide, to making a block down or double. And again, because this is done with the hands and sliotar, you gain more touches and get a better understanding of how the ball moves.
In the end, its all about Repetition.
More touches means less thinking in the end. For those of us in the Milwaukee Hurling club, it also means we can get up to speed quicker. The loose translation to that is that the sooner the rust is knocked off, the sooner we do not have our trainers yelling in our ears about messing up basic skills!
And lets face it, who wants to spend time with friends messing up the basics. You want to go out there and have fun! So, put in a little work before the season starts. It will pay off in the end.
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