Students to represent USA in Hurling tournament

Wright Tech Sophomores John Carroll and Quinn Robertson will be sporting the red, white, and blue this summer as part of an American team competing in Ireland in that country’s national sport.

Carroll and Robertson are part of the New York Hurling Development Squad (under 17) team made up of players from New York and Connecticut that play the ancient sport. The pair, who are both studying Carpentry at Wright Tech, are part of the team that will travel the western part of Ireland to compete against other clubs on the Emerald Isle.

Hurling is a quick-paced sport played on a field larger than one played for American football. Each team fields 15 players who use short sticks with a broad oval blade. Points are scored when the ball goes over the crossbar – 1 point – or in the goal for 3 points. Roberson and Carroll practice two times a week at Gaelic Park in Yonkers, New York, and were recently notified of their selection for the summer games.

Robertson, who picked up the game because of Carroll, said there are elements of lacrosse, rugby, hockey, and even baseball. “It’s a physical sport. It’s the fastest grass game there is,” he said.

Carroll learned to play hurling from his parents who hail from Lietrim and West Meath in Ireland. After the tournament, which should last a week, Carroll plans to show Robertson around and visit family. He also hopes to have some bragging rights from the tournament,

It would be a big deal “to have a New York team go to Ireland and hopefully win,” he said.