MONTREAL HURLERS SHAKE OFF 35 YEARS OF RUST 17th October 2009 By Guinness Rider Montreal Shamrocks GAA played their first hurling matches in roughly 35 years with a double-bill in Portland, Maine on October 17th, 2009. The newly-formed team were invited down to the US by hosts Portland Hurling Club Marauders, to take part in an 8-a-side, three club tournament including the Barley House Wolves out of Concord, New Hampshire. Despite being only assembled a mere three months ago, the Shamrocks gave an excellent account of themselves in the first match, battling their hosts to a thrilling draw with chances to win it outright at the end. Portland were well impressed by the skill level and natural instinct of the side, and they and Concord were happy to be pitted against the Quebec-based team that took up the challenge with relish. So Concord came next, with only a few minutes between matches. The match started very well for Montreal, but Wolves are a close-knit, well-drilled and disciplined unit, and started to pull away in the second half, when match fitness became a real telling point. Shamrocks may have run out of gas in the end, but gained many admirers for their determination and some outstanding individual skill. All in all, the two American teams were very grateful to have a new team enter their fray, and there was a lot of talk about a return engagement next season, with the teams potentially coming up to Montreal to play. More importantly, the matches broke a long spell of no official hurling for the city club, and the enthusiasm shown means there are sure to be more fixtures and interest in 2010. Winter training and recruitment up next. Thanks to our opponents, and congratulations to the players, and the club! Team: Tom Foxe, Edmond Stokes, Donal Lacey, Fionan McGrath, David Keane, Paul O'Reilly, Brendan O'Connor, Guinness Rider, Michael Kelly.