History was made over the weekend as the New York hurlers defeated Mayo to claim the Connacht Hurling League title.
They ran out 2-25 to 2-12 winners in the decider after beating a Galway development side and Leitrim on the way to the final.
And the team was made up of two lads with strong Laois connections.
Evan Deegan of The Harps came on as substitute in all three of the victories.
The 24-year-old is playing with Tipperary NY and is working in the US as a project manager with a contracting group.
While Pat Brennan, who started hurling with Le Cheile Hurling Club and now plays for Limerick NY, was also on the panel.
Pat was born and raised in New York but his mother is a proud Ballinakill woman – Christina Brennan (nee Simms).
Last year, New York were crowned Shield winners in what was their first foray back into the senior intercounty hurling ranks since 2006.
In 2023, the defeated Longford in the quarter final but then lost to Galway in the semi final.
However, they went on to blitz Leitrim by 3-29 to 1-17 in the Shield final.
New York, like their footballers, do not compete in the National Hurling League.
But unlike the footballers, they don’t have a presence in the hurling championship.
Those in New York hope that beating the likes of Mayo, a team who regularly compete between Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard level, shows they merit a spot in the Lory Meagher in future at the very least.
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