BOSTON — Four of Ireland’s best hurling teams will compete on Sunday at Fenway Park. But the action got started on Friday at the Boston Harbor Hotel with a luncheon for 325 people, including many players.

The Pyramid Hotel Group hosted the four teams. For more on the action, read Kevin Cullen’s piece in the Boston Globe here.

Among those at the kick-off event were Aidan Browne, Jim Rooney, Tim Brett, and Ed and Bill Forry. Also on hand from the Irish Consulate General’s office were Fionnuala Quinlan and Shane Cahill. Dr. David Torchiana, CEO of Partners Healthcare, was the keynote speaker.

As reported in the Boston Irish Reporter, County Clare will defend its title against three counties, including 2018 All-Ireland Champs Limerick. Cork and Wexford will round out the group competing in the world’s “fastest field sport” as it returns to iconic Fenway Park for a third time in four years.

Fenway Sports Management (FSM) announced that the popular Irish sport of hurling would return to Fenway Park with a four-team tournament and tickets sold-out quickly. Building off the highly successful Fenway Park events of 2015 and 2017, the four counties will compete for the Players Champions Cup, which was introduced at the 2017 event.

“In partnership with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and supported by Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national carrier, FSM brings ‘Ireland’s Ancient Warrior Sport’ back to Fenway for the third time in four years after a 61-year absence dating back to 1954. Hurling, widely believed to be the world’s oldest field game, combines agility, strength and intensity, earning it the reputation as the “fastest game on grass” among its loyal and passionate followers,” according to the Dorchester-based newspaper that serves the Irish community.

“I’m thrilled that hurling is coming back to Fenway Park and I am excited to welcome the teams, their fans, the Gaelic Players Association and the Gaelic Athletic Association to Boston,” Mayor Walsh told the Boston Irish Reporter. “Hurling is the one of the greatest games in the world and whether it’s American football in Dublin, college hockey in Belfast, or hurling right here in Fenway: It’s uniquely Irish and uniquely Boston.”

Clare returns to Fenway to defend its title from the inaugural Players Champions Cup, having defeated Galway, 50-33, in the 2017 final. Clare is joined by 2018 All-Ireland champion Limerick, with Cork and Wexford also vying for the trophy.

All photos by Bill Brett