Last August there was a special connection across the Atlantic at Palmerstown as Dicksboro welcomed the young hurlers of Le Chéile, New York, for a visit that also marked a homecoming for former Dicksboro great Richie Hogan.
Richie, who has made his home in New York for many years, returned to his old club alongside the visiting group. It was a lovely reminder that, no matter how far life takes us, the ties to our club and community remain strong.
The New York club’s under-10 and under-12 players were travelling around Ireland, enjoying challenge matches and experiencing our national game in its heartland. Their Kilkenny stop included Dicksboro and Nowlan Park, with Palmerstown providing an opportunity to take to the field against our own young players.
The photographs capture the spirit of the occasion, with enthusiastic hurling, smiling faces and young players from both sides of the Atlantic brought together through a shared love of the game. For the visiting children and their families, it was a chance to make memories and strengthen their connection with Ireland through hurling.
A special moment during the visit saw Richie present Cillian Breathnach with a commemorative plaque and a token of appreciation for the wonderful welcome and hospitality extended to the group at Palmerstown.
For Dicksboro, it was a pleasure to host our visitors and welcome one of our own back home. Occasions like this show the reach of the GAA and the friendships it creates across generations and continents.
Our thanks to everyone who helped organise the visit, looked after our guests and made the day so enjoyable. We send our best wishes to Richie and everyone at Le Chéile as they continue to keep hurling thriving in New York.
Once a ’Boro man, always a ’Boro man! 🇱🇻