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Gaelic Football Is Coming!

The Nashville Gaelic Athletic Club is currently planning the 2018 Summer League for Gaelic Football. If that interests you, here’s what you need to know:

Training

If you don’t already know how to play for feel you need a skills refresher, that’s okay! We’ll have a few weeks of training before the league starts, and training will continue throughout until the championship match. Training will take place Thursdays at 6 pm at Centennial Park, starting this Thursday, June 21.

Matches

Last year, matches were held indoors but we were constrained by the size of the pitch. This year, we’re moving outdoors to a larger field. We’ll play in the evenings to beat the heat. The choices are Thursday at 6 pm or Sunday at 6 pm. Please let us know which will work best for you, and we’ll choose the evening that works for the most people.

We will start the the league the week after Independence Day. Depending on which evening is chosen, that will be either July 8 or July 12. Go ahead and mark your calendar now.

Fees

We work hard to keep our prices down so everyone who wants to learn Irish sports can. To play in the summer league, you’ll need to join the NGAC. Membership is $20. This earns you an invitation to and a vote at our Annual General Meeting and Holiday Party. The fee for the league is $40, which covers the cost of your jersey and the use of the fields. The total is $60.

Participation

It’s no secret that the NGAC was started as a hurling club, but we are EXCITED about growing Gaelic football. Just because you’re only interested in Gaelic doesn’t meant you’re not invited to join us at NGAC events where, admittedly, a lot of attendees are hurlers. We can’t grow the Gaelic if you don’t come out and join in the fun. We hold events throughout the year for fellowship and hope you’ll join us as often as you can. The more involved you are, the easier it will be to continue growing Gaelic so that we can offer more Gaelic.

This doesn’t work without YOU. Also, we’re pretty cool people who make good friends outside of the club, too.

If you’d like to get more involved, please consider joining our NGAC members Facebook group. We make announcements on the regular there, and you’ll be more likely to stay in the loop on impromptu scrimmages, hangouts, and other fun stuff. You can find us here.

GAELIC FOOTBALL SUMMER LEAGUE SIGN-UP

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Congrats to Quore, Winners of the 2018 Spring League!

It was a hard-fought battle between Quore and Homegrown this past Sunday, but the green team came up victorious in the end. Quore captain Ryan Culligan led his team through a nearly undefeated season (save for a forfeit or two), but Homegrown captain Evan Lamberth wasn’t going down without a fight.

The scores from both sides remained within three points throughout the entire match, and for a few nailbiting moments for Quore supporters, it looked as though Homegrown might pull off an upset. But at the final whistle, Quore had managed to hold on to their lead, and they lifted the Harper Hurl at the end.

Check out some amazing photos from Molly Buckley of the competing teams and our Spring 2018 winners!


 

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Dramatic Final Weeks of Spring League 2018

It’s not over yet! In fact, the real excitement is just beginning. While Quore has cemented their spot in the final on June 10, it’s still up in the air for East Nashville Beer Works and Homegrown.

In spite of a club-wide forfeit on Mother’s Day (which we probably should have seen coming), spirits are flying high as we enter into the last week of competition before the championship match. Play will begin with the two teams with the most on the line.

The standings are currently:

A win from either ENBW or the Homies wouldn’t be enough to edge out Quore, but either can still play for the chance to lift the Harper Hurl.

Who will it be?

Join us on Sunday at 1 pm at Heartland Fields, 3135 Heartland Drive, to find out!

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Rain Puts a Damper on Week 2 League Matches

After a very chilly opening day for Nashville’s spring hurling league, hopes were high for a warm, sunny day yesterday. Mother Nature had other plans. The pouring rain discouraged many from attending, leaving Homegrown to forfeit both matches. The match-up between East Nashville Beer Works and Quore, however, brought lots of excitement and culminated in another win for the green team.

The standings as we head into week three are as follows:

 

Week One

Quore: 3 points

ENBW: 0 points

Homegrown: 3 points

 

Week Two

Quore: 4 points

ENBW: 2 points

Homegrown: 0 points

 

Totals:

Quore: 7

ENBW: 2

Homegrown: 3

We’re only two weeks into a twelve-week season, so anything can happen! PS, it’s still raining in Nashville.

 

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Did We Meet You at Music City Irish Fest?

ngac at music city irish fest

We had a blast meeting everyone yesterday at the Music City Irish Fest, whether we saw you at the bar or at our own NGAC tent. Several of you took cards and learned about hurling and Gaelic football, and a few of you even seemed interested in joining.

If that’s you–interested in joining or just learning how to play–here’s what you need to know:

Training on Tuesday is now at Richland Park on Charlotte Avenue. It still starts at 6 pm and we’ll go until it’s too dark to see the ball. If you have to come late due to work or family, that’s okay! Don’t let a little tardiness keep you from the greatest sport you’ll ever play.

Thursday’s training will be at Centennial Park at 6 pm, just as we talked about at the Irish Fest.

Don’t forget our Music City Invitational Tournament on March 24. You’re all very welcome to come out and watch us as we play hurling and camogie clubs from Indianapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, Atlanta, Knoxville, and Hampton Roads.

Then, on April 8, we’ll start our spring league. You can register here any time. We still have a few weeks for you to learn the skills before you apply them in a match.

Remember: everyone who wants to play will play. There are no tryouts. No minimum for entry. We play sports, but we’re a club first and foremost. If nothing else, come join in the fun on the sidelines and have some beers with us after.

We can’t wait to see you again!

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Music City Invitational Tournament to Take Place on March 24

music city invitational tournament

Nashville will again welcome hurling and camogie teams from across the Midwest and Southeast for our Fourth Annual Music City Invitational. This year, the tournament is an official Music City Irish Festival event! Here’s what you need to know so you can come enjoy a day filled with Irish sports.

Date: March 24, 2018

Where: Metro Soccer Complex, 1266 Donelson Pike, Nashville

Opening ceremonies: 9:30 am

Championship matches: 5:00 pm

Afters: 7:00 pm at East Nashville Beer Works

We’ll be playing on two fields throughout the day. They’re located at the far end of Metro Soccer Complex. Games will start every hour on the hour. A food truck will be available at lunch time, so bring some cash! As always, no alcohol is allowed in any metro park. Besides, there will be plenty of beer at afters, where we’ll also hold the trophy ceremony.

The tournament is free to the public. We hope to see you there!

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17 Irish Things to Do in Nashville in March

irish in nashville

St. Patrick’s Day is on the way, and that means the Irish are out in force in Nashville. If you’re looking for something to do, we have a big list to choose from. Sports, music, art, beer… It’s all right here! So pull out your calendar and start making plans.

Irish Music Session at The Violin Shop – March 4

Visit the Violin Shop on 8th Avenue on Sunday between 4 pm and 8 pm to enjoy some classic Irish tunes. Bring your own instrument and join in the fun, or just sit back and listen. Some light snacks and beverages will be available, too, so you can make an evening of it.

Gabriel Donohue at BB King’s – March 5

Singer and instrumentalist from Galway Gabriel Donohue will perform at BB King’s, along with other Irish musicians. The show starts at 7 pm and a $10 cover charge will get you in.

Dropkick Murphys at Marathon Music Works – March 6

Celtic rock giants Dropkick Murphys will come to Nashville on March 6 for their St. Patrick’s Day tour. Pick up tickets for the show at the Marathon Music Works website.

Molly Ramone at The Old School – March 8

Nashville Irish band Molly Ramone will appear at The Old School restaurant on March 8 at 7 pm. Tickets for the event are $10. If you can’t make this one, you can see Molly Ramone again later this month.

County Sumner Irish Festival in Castalian Springs – March 10

Hosted by Visit Sumner TN, the County Sumner Irish Fest will take place form 10 am to 2 pm at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park. Enjoy live Irish music, brews, and great Irish food. You can also tour Rogan cottage, an authentic Irish dwelling. Don’t miss the hurling and Gaelic football exhibit matches by your favorite Gaelic club in Nashville.

Paul Brock Band at The Old School – March 10

The Old School will host Paul Brock, Denis Carey, Eimear Arkins, and Shane Farrell, playing Irish, French-Canadian, and bluegrass favorites. The show starts at 7 pm, and the tickets are $15 at the door.

Celtic Rhythms on Fire – March 10 & 11

The Nashville Irish Step Dancers will perform their annual March show on March 10 and 11 at The Capital Theatre on Main Street in Lebanon. Tickets for adults are $20, and $15 for kids and seniors. You can purchase tickets online here.

Triona at BB King’s – March 12

Ireland’s singer-songwriter Triona will perform original songs at BB King’s on March 12 at 7 pm. A cover charge of $10 covers entrance and the show.

Exploring Your Scots-Irish Genealogy – March 12 & 13

Join Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation during their annual North American lecture tour to learn how to get the most out of Irish resources and records, gain strategies for breaking down brick walls, and grasp important historical context that may help fill in gaps in your research. Monday’s workshop is $15 for non-members. Tuesday is devoted to private consultations for $45 per person.

Irish Night at ACME – March 13

Come at 6 pm for the Finnegan & Carmichael concert and stay for the film John Hume in America at 7 pm. Following the film will be a Q&A session with the filmmaker Maurice Fitzpatrick. Admission is free!

Chloë Agnew of Celtic Woman at The Old School – March 15

One of the original Celtic Woman members, Chloë Agnew, will perform favorites and original tunes at The Old School from 7 pm to 10 pm. Tickets are $15 to $30 and can be purchased any time before the show.

Gulliver’s Travels at Nashville Public Library – March 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31

Irish stories and puppetry will take over the library during these weekends at the Nashville Public Library. Perfect for the kids, but fun for all.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Riverfront Park – March 17 & 18

Two days of fun, drink, food, music, and Irish goods await at the Nashville Riverfront Park. A stage will host musicians throughout both days, including Molly Ramone, Colm Kirwan, Nashville Pipes & Drums, The Willis Clan, Skerryvore, and We Banjo 3, among many others. Admission is free!

Main Street Brew Fest in Franklin – March 17

Tickets are available for the Main Street Brew Fest on St. Patrick’s Day, where dozens of micro-breweries—local, national, and international—will be featured. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and of course, beer.

The Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl – March 17

Registration begins at Winners Bar & Grill at 11 am. Stops on the crawl include Winners, Whiskey Rhythm Saloon, The Slider House, DawgHouse Saloon, and many more! It’s a great way to drink your way through Music City.

Shane Hennessy Shows – March 19 & 22

Irish guitarist Shane Hennessy will perform first at BB King’s on March 19 and then again at The Old School on March 22. BB King’s charges a $10 cover to get in. Tickets for The Old School show are $10 each.

Music City Invitational Hurling Tournament – March 24

The NGAC will again host clubs from various cities across the United States in a hurling and camogie tournament. Festivities will kick off at 9 am on March 24 and end with an after party and trophy presentation at East Nashville Beer Works at 7 pm.

There are quite a few more fun events planned for the Music City Irish Festival, which lasts all throughout the month of March. If this just isn’t enough Irish for you, check out their calendar for more!

As always, if you see anyone wearing a Nashville Gaelic Athletic Club crest, stop us and ask about hurling and Gaelic football. We’re starting our spring league soon, and we’d love to welcome you out to play or watch any time!

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Upcoming Nashville Gaelic Athletic Club Events

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter—except for those rare, sunny days when we got to scrimmage at Centennial Park. Spring is on the way, and everyone in the club is itching to pick up a hurl or Gaelic football and get back on the pitch.

Fortunately, March will offer several opportunities to play (or watch!), so grab your calendar and start making some notes.

Intro to Hurling – Feb 3

Let’s get back in shape for the coming Music City Invitational and Spring League! Training starts at 9:00 am at Centennial Park.

Beginners are always welcome. We’ll make sure you have all the right equipment and show you the basics before you join in on a scrimmage. Don’t be afraid! Every member will take the time to walk you through the rules and help you learn technique as you go. There is absolutely no experience necessary. Of any kind.

Future training sessions will be announced via Facebook until it’s warm enough to set recurring dates.

County Sumner Irish Festival – March 10

On March 10, the NGAC will travel to Castalian Springs to take part in the County Sumner Irish Festival. The fest takes place between 10 am and 2 pm, with exhibition matches of hurling and Gaelic football on at noon.

If you come out to watch, stay to learn about the history of Irish sports and even learn how to play. If you love it, we’ll sign you up on the spot!

Music City Irish Fest – March 17 & 18

It’s two days of glorious shamrockery! The NGAC will man a tent where you can learn all about the sports of hurling and Gaelic football. We’ll show some classic matches and walk you through the rules. Or we’ll just clink beer mugs together with a “Sláinte!”* and sing along to Irish tunes with you.

You’ll also find us slinging beers at the beer tents. We’re always recognizable in our gold and green. Say hi when you find one of us!

Music City Invitational – March 24

We’re still ironing out the details, but you’ll definitely want to save this date. Hurling clubs from all over the United States will travel to Nashville for our 4th Annual Music City Invitational—probably our biggest yet.

The event lasts all day, with food and drink available for purchase on site. After the winners have been decided through fierce battles for the Watson and Wall Cups, we’ll party the night away with our sponsors, East Nashville Beer Works. You don’t want to miss this!

*Sláinte (slahn-cha) To your health, or “Cheers!”

 

 

 

 

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Meet Your 2018 Board Members!

At our AGM, we held elections for two open positions on the board. The first was for Chairman, as we said a heartfelt “thank you!” to Ryan Buckley for his two years of dedicated service. The second was the Treasurer role, held by the very capable Rayne Leonard. These elections also created additional vacancies within the board, so a meeting was held to appoint members to these roles.

We’re now thrilled to introduce your 2018 NGAC Board of Directors!

Chairman – Liam Barry

Vice Chairman – Danny Espensen

Secretary – Molly Buckley

Treasurer – Jesse Gentry

Registrar – Ryan Culligan

Games Development – Brendan Rauer

PR & Marketing – Jen Barry

Molly has previous experience serving on the board, most recently as Registrar. The Board is excited to welcome Molly back, as she brings with her an immense dedication to training for and growing the Camogie team.

The newly elected Board upheld the previous decision to eliminate the Member at Large position for various reasons, not the least of which is a need for odd numbers for voting purposes. As such, each and every member of the Board is available to any and all club members at any time. Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns. We’re all here for you, and we’re always excited to help.

Let’s have a great 2018!

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Open Board Positions for Election

Nominations will be accepted for the following open Board positions from November 25th to December 9th.

1. Chairman

Chairman: The Chairman shall convene regular board meetings, shall preside over meetings. The chairman sets the agenda for the board meetings, special meetings, and Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Chairman can arrange for one of the other officers to preside over meetings in the Chairman’s absence.

2. Treasurer

Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for keeping accurate records of the account. The Treasurer is the legal custodian of the moneys or other valued assets of the NGAC. The Treasurer shall file or cause to be filed any State or Federal tax filings. Any moneys collected by the club shall be deposited immediately into an FDIC insured bank account. The Treasure shall give a report of the fiscal status of the club at board meetings, and present an annual report to the membership at the AGM.

Nominations should be sent via email to: nashvillegac@gmail.com.

Please check with the nominee before nominating them to make sure they are interested in the position.

Nominees are permitted to send one campaign message to the club during the days of December 9th-15th.

Elections will be held at the Annual General Meeting on December 16th.

Non-playing members are encouraged and welcome to serve on the board.

Descriptions of all Board positions can be found in the bylaws section of the club handbook.

Relevant language from the club bylaws:
4.1 Board role, size, and compensation: The Board is responsible for the overall direction and governance of the NGAC. The Board shall consist of 8 members: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Public Relations Officer, Games Development, and Member at Large. Any member in good standing is eligible to serve on the Board. The Board receives no compensation.

4.2 Terms: All board members serve two-year terms and are eligible for re-election.

4.6 Election of the Board: The board is elected by the NGAC membership at the Annual General Meeting. Votes shall be cast through written ballot, and simple majority of those present elect board members. The Secretary solicits nominations during a nomination period, which opens 3 weeks prior and closes 1 week prior to the Annual General Meeting.