We’re on the one road, sharing the one load
We’re on the road to God knows where
We’re on the one road, it may be the wrong road
But we’re together now who cares?
Northmen, Southmen, comrades all!
Dublin, Belfast, Cork or Donegal!
We’re on the one road, swinging along, singin’ a soldier’s song!
(“On the One Road” by The Wolfe Tones)
Ireland Lacrosse began its journey on the Road to Denver and the 2014 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships by holding a hugely successful tryout in Dublin over the course of the last weekend in October. Almost 70 player-candidates turned up to compete for the 23 roster spots available for the men’s national team, which will be looking to improve on its 9th place finish in the 2010 World Championships.
Player-candidates travelled from far and wide to take part in the trials, including the USA, Canada, England and from throughout Ireland. The Dublin Avengers, Dublin Bay Prawns, University College Dublin (UCD) and NUI-Galway teams were all represented. The Panel of Assessors included Irish Lacrosse Foundation President and US Hall of Fame coach Richie Moran, Ireland Lacrosse CEO (and former national team captain) Michael Kennedy, National Teams Director John Cavanaugh, Men’s National Team Head Coach Tom Prior, current UCD Head Coach Sean Bodie as well as coaches/assessors Tim Weir, Colm Murphy, Bob Deegan, Kevin Carroll and Larry Carroll.
The trial commenced with registration on Friday evening, followed by a session under the lights on Friday night. Player-candidates were up early the next morning for more on-field work, including fitness testing, and there was extensive scrimmaging in the afternoon – including play during heavy rain, which is truly a right of passage for any Irish lacrosse player! More on-field training, scrimmaging and assessment took place on the Sunday morning. The annual Halloween party then took place on Sunday night, providing an opportunity to unwind after a hectic weekend.
Player-candidates can now look forward to hearing the results of the trial, to see if they will be taking that next step on the Road to Denver. Check back for more information at www.irelandlacrosse.ie!
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