Scene set for 2024 O’Neill’s Continental Youth Championships

Former Dublin star Lyndsey Davey is a CYC ambassador 

At the end of July more than 2,000 underage players, from over 200 teams across 18 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada will converge upon the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, south of Boston to participate in the Gaelic Athletic Association’s annual Continental Youth Championships (CYC).

The O’Neill’s Continental Youth Championships is the largest Youth Gaelic Games tournament outside of Ireland. Founded in 2004, the tournament hosts teams across the three county boards; USGAA, Canadian GAA, and New York GAA. The committee itself is made up of representatives from each of the three counties and is responsible for the overall management of the event.

The CYC location rotates around various cities from year to year. After a three-year hiatus due to covid, it returned in 2022 in Chicago. The last time Boston hosted the CYC was back in 2018 when it was trialled as a five-day event.

Bernie Connaughton, CYC Chairperson, outlined his excitement for the collaborative event:

“The Continental Youth Championship (CYC) committee is delighted to be back in Boston in 2024 for what might just be our biggest one to date celebrating 20 years of this fantastic event”.

“Having seen this event go from strength-to-strength, over the years, it gives me particular pride to be the Chair of the CYC in my adopted hometown of Boston. I know the local organizing committee will do a tremendous job in preparing Canton for the visiting players and their families.”

“The CYC brings so many people together for a 4-day festival of sport and camaraderie, forging life-long friendships and continuing to foster an immense sense of pride in our shared Irish culture among the young people who play.”

“In 2024 USGAA and New York will enter a Jr. team in the All-Ireland Junior football championship in Ireland – many of the players on these teams are graduates of one of our CYC’s – a true testament to the quality of this unique tournament”.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “The continued health and success of the GAA can be linked to the popularity and participation of young people in our games, who represent our future. That’s what makes events like this so important and in the case of the CYC it has been inspirational in setting a standard that others in World GAA have followed.”

Uachtarán an Cumann Camogaíochta, Brian Molloy, commented: “The O’Neill’s Continental Youth Championship tournament offers young players a wonderful opportunity to display their Gaelic games skills and talent on a global platform.

“I urge as many young Camogie players from teams across USGAA, Canada GAA, and New York to take part in this exciting annual event on the Gaelic Games calendar. As Camogie marks its 120th anniversary this year, it is a fitting opportunity for players to come together, celebrate, and enjoy Camogie.”

Michéal Naughton, Uachtarán LGFA,  added: “This promises to be another memorable staging of the Championships close to a city synonymous with Ireland, and boasting a rich Celtic culture. The Irish Cultural Centre at Canton Massachusetts is sure be a hub of activity during the Championships. However, what is more important for our young girls is taking part and continuing to develop as players and individuals.

“We are immensely proud of our overseas units and players, and look forward to witnessing more excellent football from our competing teams at the CYC. Boston holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Irish people. In the suburbs of Greater Boston, the Irish community has cemented itself and continues to thrive. Boston has always felt like home and there’s no greater way to express our sense of national pride than playing Gaelic Games.

“My thanks to all who have helped to ensure that the CYC Games have become a reality once again. We have huge numbers present and that’s testament to the outstanding and visionary work taking place in cities across the United States and Canada. Of course, none of this would be possible without our match officials and our selfless volunteers, and they deserve a special word of thanks. As an Association, our greatest asset remains our players and I hope they thoroughly enjoy what is a significant weekend in their sporting lives”.

O’Neill’s will sponsor the 2024 CYC. Alison Perry, Marketing Manager for O’Neills said:

“O’Neills Sportswear is delighted to be the official sponsor of the Continental Youth Championships. As a proud supporter of Gaelic games and youth sports, we are excited to see the passion and dedication of young players from across North America come together in Boston. This championship not only celebrates their talents but also strengthens the relationships of our global Gaelic community. We believe that sport has the power to unite people from all over the world, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to this international championship.’’

 

For further information, contact micky.quigg@gaa.ie