New York hurlers to join Lory Meagher Cup in 2025

New York will compete in the Lory Meagher Cup, inter-county hurling's fifth tier, in 2025.

The US side won their first Connacht Hurling League earlier title this year, beating Mayo at the Connacht GAA AirDome.

An announcement on the New York county board website said: "In a historic development for New York hurling, the vibrant hurling community of the city has been granted entry into the prestigious Lory Meagher Cup, marking a significant milestone in the sport's growth in the Big Apple.

"With their entry into the Lory Meagher Cup, New York hurlers now have the opportunity to test their mettle against other aspiring teams and continue their upward trajectory in the hurling world. This milestone not only rewards their hard work and dedication but also underscores the potential for hurling's expansion and global reach."

The statement also praised the "visionary leadership, dedication and tireless efforts" of hurling chairman Richie Hartnett and hurling development officer Eamon Fitzgerald, and said that hurling in New York "has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with a renewed focus on grassroots development and nurturing talent at all levels".

Speaking to RTÉ Sport before their second Connacht Hurling League campaign, manager Eamon Fitzgerald said that joining the Lory Meagher had long been an ambition but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and that he felt the change was vital to inspire the county's underage players, who number over 2,500.

"Getting into the Lory Meagher Cup, the same way the footballers are in the Connacht championship and Tailteann, will be huge in keeping the kids playing the games," he said.

While their footballers have competed in the Connacht Football Championship since 1999, recording a first