New York defeated a Galway development side in the Connacht Hurling League at the Dome in Bekan on Thursday to set up a final against Mayo on Saturday.
It was a 1-27 to 1-16 victory for a New York side featuring six Galway natives. New York had already beaten Leitrim in the preliminary round. The Galway panel was comprised of players from junior clubs.
"I'm hoarse after it," New York manager Richie Hartnett, originally from Ballyheighue in North Kerry, told Galway Bay FM.
4 January 2024; Martin Cullen of New York is tackled by Fergus Hanney of Galway, left, and Keith Gleeson during the Connacht Hurling League semi-final match between Galway and New York at University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
"We're delighted to get over the line. It's a tough game, as anyone would have seen. Galway still had a good side out there. They pushed us to the pin of our collar. The score flattered us a bit.
"Our boys dug in deep. The boys coming off the bench were just as good as the boys who came off the field. That was the difference at the end of the day.
"I'm emotional. It's been a dream of mine to get to the Lory Meagher. Saturday night will tell a lot, but to win a trophy on the way there is going to be big time bonus material.
"We travelled with 26 boys last year, we brought 31 this year because we know how intense it is and what [toll] it takes on the bodies. We'll recover tonight, do the pool and whatever we can [on Friday]. We'll get a light session in on [Friday] evening, and go again Saturday."
4 January 2024; Aidan Organ of New York is tackled by MacDara Ó'Bearra of Galway during the Connacht Hurling League semi-final match between Galway and New York at University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
New York's top scorer was former Galway minor David Mangan who hit eight points, including two from play.
"We learnt our lesson last year," said the Kilconieron man.
"We took it for granted playing the Galway juniors and they gave us a nice little whooping. This year, we were gunning for them. Hard work was put in three nights a week for the last three months. It was a serious effort by the lads there.
"We knew we needed a quick start, and we got that. We knew we needed a quick start in the second half, and we didn't [get that]; they came back in, and fair play to the lads, every one of them dug deep."
4 January 2024; Adam Loughlin Stones of New York celebrates after his side's victory in the Connacht Hurling League semi-final match between Galway and New York at University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Mangan said hurling is "taken seriously" by the New York players, "but it's enjoyable for meeting lads".
"The second you arrive, they collect you from the airport, put you up for the summer," he continued.
"You just make so many friends, connections. During the matches, they get fiery enough but that can happen in any game.
"It's a home from home. I'm after getting a new visa so I'll be out there for the next few years with the help of God."
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