Exiles on Main Street: Remembering New York's Championship debut

Stephen Cassidy still remembers the moment clearly.

The Donegal underage player, and older brother of two-time All-Star Kevin, was sitting on the plane two days after taking part in New York's first ever championship game against Mayo in 1999.

Cassidy wasn't the only person among the travelling party who had concerns over his illegal status, but as he buckled up at his seat, the nerves began to dissipate somewhat.

Then came the announcement over the tannoy: "Could Mr Cassidy make himself known to staff please."

"I froze as I was illegal at the time," he tells RTÉ Sport.

As luck would have it, he shared his surname with a member of the backroom team, with Jim Cassidy removed from any documentation issues given he was settled in the Big Apple.

"He jumped off and saved me."

In a time before 9/11, such scenarios were not as far-fetched as they might appear today.

The New York team that took on Mayo in Castlebar in May 1999

Only one player in the end failed to get through customs. Six weeks later, after taking the scenic route through Mexico, he too was back in New York.

"I played against him in the club championship the following year," Cassidy says. "I don't think he ever returned home."

Ahead of today's clash with Sligo, New York manager Johnny McGeeney insisted last week that immigration concerns were not part of the panel's thinking.

"No, my only concern is injuries," was his reply when asked about whether or not some players would opt not to appear at Markievicz Park.

After claiming victory at the 23rd time of asking, New York are in uncharted waters. Another win would secure a Connacht final and a place in the All-Ireland round-robin, while defeat will see them head for the Tailteann Cup.

It's a far cry from the knockout