Ireland Men's World Indoor Lacrosse Championship Media Guide

IREL AND MEN’S INDOOR L ACROSSE TEAM MEDIA GUIDE FIL WORLD INDOOR LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 18 - 27 SEPTEMBER 2015

ABOUT US TEAM PREVIEW

ABOUT US TEAM PREVIEW

The easiest way to describe our group of players is to say that they are very diverse both on and off the floor. Off the floor we have a wide array of individuals ranging from students, Financial Analysts, IT specialists, Chefs, University Administrators to a Nurse and an ER Doctor. On the floor we are every bit as diverse, but with a recognized common goal, every player has a team first approach.

in position to tend goal. Mike is by far our most experienced goalie. Mike is a passionate player and one that really pumps the team up with his play. All of the players are confident with either goalie in the cage.

We have a number of ambassadors from Ireland that will stand out. First and foremost is the CEO of Ireland Lacrosse, Michael Kennedy, who also happens to be suiting up for his 3rd WILC championships.

Michael is Ireland Lacrosse. Colm Murphy is another one that will stand out as he becomes the first Irish-based player to don the goalie gear for the WILC. Colm was a member of the 2007 and 2011 team as a defender, but as the Indoor leagues in Ireland have grown, he has found himself to be one of the brave (read crazy) souls that is willing to have others pelt him with hard rubber balls. Sean Gibson is also playing in his 3rd WILC championship with Ireland. A transplanted Canadian, Gibson has been in Ireland for 11 years and has recently become an Irish citizen. Gibson’s arrival in Ireland was a big boost to Ireland Lacrosse’s foray into the indoor game.

On Offense, Kevin Owens and Brian Gillis are going into their 2nd WILC tournament and were the top two scorers on the 2011 team. Gillis, from British Columbia, has a lot of experience with the indoor game and currently plays for the Coquitlam Adanacs major team. The other player with a lot of experience at the indoor game but limited international experience is Syracuse Alum, Stephen Keogh. Keogh has been a consistent goal scorer in both the NLL (Rochester Knighthawks) and the MSL (Six Nation’s Chiefs).

Having won 5 championships over the last 4 years between the two leagues, he will be relied on for his experience in big games.

In Transition, there are a number of players that will find themselves in this role of Transition player.

More experienced players like Mike Kennedy, Sean Gibson and Tim O’Connor will likely find themselves playing both offense and defense and we expect their experience to pay off in transitioning to offense and back to defense taking away opportunities from other teams. Ben Snider, a new player to the squad is another guy from Western Canada that has a lot of experience in Canadian summer leagues. Snider was an Edmonton Rush draft pick a few years ago and the Alberta native is playing his summer ball for the Nanaimo Timbermen.

In terms of our Coaching Staff, we are returning 3 of 4 coaches from the 2011 team. Unfortunately, our most experienced international coach Dan Leidl, who coached the defense in 2011, cannot attend because of work commitments. We return our Head Coach, Jeff Dowling who has coached at every level in Canada and has a number of years’ experience at the NLL level as both a head coach and assistant coach, winning the NLL championship in 2004 and 2008. Tom Howe and Geoff Conn reprise their roles from the 2011 squad. Howe, the Offensive Coordinator, has been involved with the Boston Blazers (NLL) and the Rhode Island Kingfish (PLL). Conn was the video coach for the Calgary Roughnecks from 20032008 and will assist Howe with the offense while breaking down film for the players. Clancy Almas has taken on the defensive responsibility. He has been a head coach for the Jr B and Jr C Hamilton Bengals teams and is the defensive coach for the Niagara Lock Monsters semi pro team, winning the league title in 2014.

National Team Director, John Cavanaugh, continues to oversee the team. John’s unparalleled drive and commitment to athletics has led him to work with Team USA at the 2012 & 2008 Olympic Games, and the 2015 & 2007 Pan American Games, amongst many other events, lectures, and his day job as Clinical Supervisor at the Hospital for Special Surgery Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center. He also directs the American Physical Therapy Association-credential Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program. John is returning to action with the men’s indoor team in September 2015 after spending a few weeks in August in the Czech Republic with the Irish women’s team which finished in 5th place in the European Championships. Sharing Athletic Trainer duties with John will be programme newcomer Terry McHugh, and the staff are rounded out with Equipment Manager Gus McLaughlin.

On Defense, the defense will be anchored by a few Canadian vets. Mike Bradshaw was a member of the team in 2011 and we expect his hard-nosed style of lacrosse will frustrate opponents. We have two newcomers to the team this year that have a lot of indoor experience: Tyler Roche plays JR A lacrosse for the Peterborough Lakers and is one of the tougher defenders in the JR A loop. We also have added Andrew McBride, an NLL veteran and captain of the Calgary Roughnecks. Andrew is a fierce competitor that will wear his heart on his sleeve and has a ‘never quit’ mentality. He is one of those players that others look up to and want to go to battle with.

In Goal, Mike Cregan is back for his 3rd WILC championships and we have Colm Murphy‘s recent change

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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ABOUT US THE ROAD TO ONONDAGA

EMERALD ISLANDERS

IRISH INDOOR DEVELOPMENT TEAM

As the indoor game continues to grow in Ireland, additional opportunities have been created to enable players to learn the skills and strategies unique to box lacrosse. In 2013 the team which represents the indoor development programme was christened as the ‘Emerald Islanders’. This team operates much like the Éire team does for both the men’s field and women’s teams. The purpose of this team is to bring together players – in Ireland, the UK, Europe, North America and beyond – who all have some connection to Ireland, be they Irish born and bred, resident in Ireland, have Irish heritage, or have worked or studied in Ireland. It is therefore a mechanism to help broaden and expand the Irish lacrosse family, to connect with the global Irish diaspora, and to maximise engagement in the Ireland Lacrosse mission of developing the sport of lacrosse in Ireland and supporting the various Irish national teams.

The Irish men’s indoor lacrosse team was first established in 2006 in preparation for the 2007 World Indoor Championships held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The team was thrown in at the deep end in its first game when it faced perpetual champions and host team Canada, coming out the other side with a 25-1 hammering. That single goal was a memorable one though, as it generated the largest cheer from the ‘home’ fans, and in true Irish fashion, the scorer of that goal has been immortalised in song via The Ballad of Michael Ryan. Following that experience, where the team finished in 8th place, and the further development of a domestic indoor league in Ireland (known first as the Dublin Box Lacrosse League (DBLL) and eventually becoming the National Indoor Lacrosse League (NILL)) as well as creation of a travel team called the Dublin Riggers, the Irish team competed again in the World Indoor Championships in 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic, the hot-spot of box lacrosse in Europe. The team finished in 7th place in that tournament, and is looking forward to improving on that in the 2015 event. This tournament will be particularly noteworthy for the significant increase in the number of participants, going from 8 teams in 2011 to 13 in 2015, with all of the new teams hailing from Europe. In this respect, recognition is due to Sean Gibson, long-time and current player and organiser of the Irish indoor team, Director of Indoor Lacrosse Development for Ireland Lacrosse and also Box Lacrosse Coordinator for the European Lacrosse Federation (ELF). We are also particularly honoured and privileged to be able to play the Creator’s Game on the territory of the Onondaga Nation. Here’s to a great and successful event!

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Michael Kennedy CEO, Ireland Lacrosse

The establishment of the Emerald Islanders is only a recent development, and examples of events in which the team has participated include the annual Boxmania tournament in Lille, France (2013 and 2014). Members of the team also participated in the 2015 European Box Invitational in Radotin, Czech Republic. As box lacrosse continues its rapid recent development in Europe, Ireland Lacrosse is looking forward to availing of further opportunities for the Emerald Islanders to compete.

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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2015 FIL WORLD INDOORS INFO

2015 FIL WORLD INDOORS TEAMS

18 - 27 SEPTEMBER, 2015 Syracuse University Carrier Dome Onondaga Nation & Syracuse, New York For the first time ever, the FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse) will hold the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships at the home of the game: The Onondaga Nation. This is a significant milestone – the Haudenosaunee will step onto the world stage and carry their flag, exercise the sovereignty of indigenous nations, share their culture, field their national team, welcome guest nations, and proudly host the game of their ancestors.

The FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships is an international tournament that is held every four years. The 2011 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships were held in Prague, Czech Republic.

The defending World Champions are Canada, with the Iroquois Nation finishing second and the United States finishing third. These Nations will compete again in 2015 alongside Australia, the Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Serbia, Switzerland, and Turkey.

All information courtesy of the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship official website.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

IRELAND SCHEDULE

Fri, 18 September Opening Ceremonies Pool Play Begins

Fri, 18 September Ireland v. Germany | 12:30 | Onondaga Arena

Sat, 19 September - Wed, 23 September Pool Play Thurs, 24 September - Sat, 26 September Play In & Qualifying Games Sun, 27 September Bronze Medal Game Gold Medal Game Closing Ceremonies

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Australia

Canada

Czech Republic

England

Finland

Germany

Haudenosaunee

Israel

Serbia

Switzerland

Turkey

United States

Sat, 19 September Ireland v. Serbia | 4:30 | Village Pavilion

Ireland Men’s Indoor Results in FIL Competition 2007

Sun, 20 September Ireland v. Israel | 12:30 | Village Pavilion Mon, 21 September - Sat, 26 September All Play In & Qualifying Games TBD

2011

Ireland

2015

World Indoor Championships World Indoor Championships World Indoor Championships

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 8th Prague, Czech Republic

7th

Onondaga Nation, New York

TBD

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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COACHING & SUPPORT STAFF BIOS JEFF DOWLING HEAD COACH

Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

GEOFF CONN ASSISTANT COACH

TOM HOWE ASSISTANT COACH

CLANCY ALMAS ASSISTANT COACH Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

JOHN CAVANAUGH

TERRY MCHUGH

Hicksville, New York, USA

Wear the green, white, and orange with pride! Check out the official Ireland Lacrosse Apparel site by visiting www.irelandlacrosse.ie and choosing IL Shop.

Saint Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada

Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

NATIONAL TEAMS DIRECTOR

IRELAND LACROSSE APPAREL

ATHLETIC TRAINER Levittown, New York, USA

GUS MCLAUGHLIN EQUIPMENT MANAGER Huntsville, Ontario, Canada

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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TEAM ROSTER ALPHABETICAL

TEAM ROSTER NUMERICAL

No. Player

Pos.

Residence

Other Teams

No. Player

Pos.

Residence

Other Teams

22

Tadhg Bolger

D

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

1

Mike Cregan

G

Georgetown, Ontario, CAN

Oakville Titans, Dub Riggers

19

Mike Bradshaw

D

Scarborough, Ontario, CAN

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

2

Drew Wichmann

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

23

Ciarán Boylan

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

3

Patrick Leen *

T

Chicago, IL, USA

Emerald Islanders

9

Sonny Campbell

T

Galway, IRL

Emerald Islanders

5

Tim O’Connor

O

Rochester, N.Y., USA

Buffalo Creek Thunder (CanAm)

1

Mike Cregan

G

Georgetown, Ontario, CAN

Oakville Titans, Dub Riggers

8

Paul Murran

D

Waterford, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

81

Ryan Doran

D

Galway, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

9

Sonny Campbell

T

Galway, IRL

Emerald Islanders

48

Conor Dockery

T

Athlone, Co. Westmeath, IRL

E. Grinstead, Emerald Islanders

13

Sean Gibson

T

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

13

Sean Gibson

T

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

14

David Sleeper *

T

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Emerald Islanders

88

Brian Gillis

O

N. Vancouver, BC, CAN

Coquitlam Andanacs (WLA)

15

Conor O’Brien

D

Malahide, Co. Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

18

Zak Jordan

T

London, UK

Emerald Islanders

16

Michael Kennedy

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

80

Dan Kelly

O

Peabody, Mass., USA

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

18

Zak Jordan

T

London, UK

Emerald Islanders

16

Michael Kennedy

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

19

Mike Bradshaw

D

Scarborough, Ontario, CAN

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

28

Stephen Keogh

O

Toronto, Ontario, CAN

Six Nation’s Chiefs, Rochester

20

Tyler Roche

D

Whitby, Ontario, CAN

Peterborogh Lakers (OJALL)

3

Patrick Leen *

T

Chicago, IL, USA

Emerald Islanders

22

Tadhg Bolger

D

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

37

Andrew McBride

D

Calgary, AB, CAN

Calgary Roughnecks (NLL)

23

Ciarán Boylan

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

25

Colm Murphy

G

Bray, Co. Wicklow, IRL

Emerald Islanders

24

Sean Murphy *

G

Cincinati, OH, USA

Emerald Islanders, Cle. Demons

24

Sean Murphy *

G

Cincinnati, OH, USA

Emerald Islanders, Cle. Demons

25

Colm Murphy

G

Bray, Co. Wicklow, IRL

Emerald Islanders

8

Paul Murran

D

Waterford, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

28

Stephen Keogh

O

Toronto, Ontario, CAN

Six Nation’s Chiefs, Rochester

32

Kevin Owens

O

Fairfield, CT, USA

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

32

Kevin Owens

O

Fairfield, CT, USA

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

5

Tim O’Connor

O

Rochester, N.Y., USA

Buffalo Creek Thunder (CanAm)

37

Andrew McBride

D

Calgary, AB, CAN

Calgary Roughnecks (NLL)

15

Conor O’Brien

D

Malahide, Co. Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

48

Conor Dockery

T

Athlone, Co. Westmeath, IRL

E. Grinstead, Emerald Islanders

20

Tyler Roche

D

Whitby, Ontario, CAN

Peterborogh Lakers (OJALL)

56

Mike Shea

T

Bronx, N.Y., USA

Emerald Islanders

56

Mike Shea

T

Bronx, N.Y., USA

Emerald Islanders

80

Dan Kelly

O

Peabody, Mass., USA

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

14

David Sleeper *

T

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Emerald Islanders

81

Ryan Doran

D

Galway, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

92

Ben Snider

T

Edmonton, Alberta, CAN

Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)

88

Brian Gillis

O

N. Vancouver, BC, CAN

Coquitlam Andanacs (WLA)

2

Drew Wichmann

O

Dublin, IRL

Dub. Riggers, Emerald Islanders

92

Ben Snider

T

Edmonton, Alberta, CAN

Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER BIOS #22 TADHG BOLGER

Defense · Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders, Richmond RoadRunners (WCSLL)

#19 MIKE BRADSHAW Defense · Scarborough, Ontario, Canada Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#23 CIARÁN BOYLAN Offense · Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#9 SONNY CAMPBELL Transition · Galway, Ireland Emerald Islanders

#1

MIKE CREGAN

Goalie · Georgetown, Ontario, Canada Oakville Titans, Dublin Riggers

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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Drew Wichmann #2

Welcome & Good Luck to the Irish Indoor National Team from your friends at Haylor, Freyer & Coon

IRISH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER BIOS #81 RYAN DORAN Defense · Galway, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#48 CONOR DOCKERY Transition · Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland East Grinstead, Emerald Islanders

#13 SEAN GIBSON Transition · Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#88 BRIAN GILLIS

Offense · North Vancouver, British Columbia Coquitlam Adanacs (WLA)

#18 ZAK JORDAN Transition · London, United Kingdom Emerald Islanders

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER BIOS #80 DAN KELLY

What makes us different?

Over 70% of companies setting up in Ireland choose us*

Offense · Peabody, Massachusetts, USA Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#16 MICHAEL KENNEDY Offense · Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#28 STEPHEN KEOGH

Offense · Toronto, Ontario, Canada Six Nations Chiefs (MSL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL)

Why have these companies chosen us?

Because we’re the Number One corporate bank in Ireland.

Our dedicated FDI team offer a leading service to international companies setting up operations in Ireland.

#37 ANDREW MCBRIDE

And we have extensive experience of the Irish investment market and the varied requirements of international investors.

It’s why some of the world’s leading companies chose to work with us.

Defense · Calgary, Alberta, Canada Calgary Roughnecks (NLL)

To experience why we’re different contact:

#25 COLM MURPHY Goalie · Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Emerald Islanders

Derek Collins Executive Vice President +353 (0)76 624 4595 +353 (0)86 259 2496 derek.collins@boi.com

Dan O’Donnell Vice President +353 (0)76 624 5538 +353 (0)86 389 4652 dan.odonnell@boi.com

Kevin Elliot Senior Vice President +1 212 856 8207 +1 646 624 9311 kevin.elliott@boius.com

www.bankofireland.com/FDI

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

* Based on Bank of Ireland analysis of independent industry statistics 2015 Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team Corporate Banking 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER BIOS #8 PAUL MURRAN Defense · Waterford, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#32 KEVIN OWENS Offense · Fairfield, Connecticut, USA Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#5 TIM O’CONNOR Offense · Rochester, New York, USA Buffalo Creek Thunder (CanAm)

#15 CONOR O’BRIEN Defense · Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

#20 TYLER ROCHE Defense · Whitby, Ontario, Canada Peterborough Lakers (OJALL)

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER BIOS #56 MIKE SHEA Defense · Bronx, New York, USA Emerald Islanders

#92 BEN SNIDER

Transition · Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)

#2 DREW WICHMANN Offense · Dublin, Ireland Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders

IRISH NATIONAL TEAM ALTERNATES #3 PATRICK LEEN Transition · Chicago, Illinois, USA Emerald Islanders

#24 SEAN MURPHY

Goalie · Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Emerald Islanders, Cleveland Demons

#14 DAVID SLEEPER Transition · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Emerald Islanders

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH INDOOR TEAM APPEARANCES World Indoor Championships Appearances Sean Gibson Michael Kennedy Kevin Owens Paul Murran Colm Murphy Brian Gillis Tim O’Connor Michael Cregan Ryan Doran Mike Bradshaw

2007 & 2011 2007 & 2011 2011 2011 2007 & 2011 2011 2007 & 2011 2007 & 2011 2011 2011

Total Games Played

(Note: includes appearances on Irish National field teams)

48 44 30 26 21 20 9 9 5 5

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS DONORS Ireland Lacrosse would like to thank the following individuals for their generous support: John Dwyer Kim Schellenberg Gail Price Mandy Lyons

STAY CONNECTED SOCIAL MEDIA Ireland Lacrosse takes pride in utilising numerous social media outlets to better connect both the Ireland Lacrosse fans and players During the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships make sure to use the hashtags #IrelandLacrosse and #COYBIG (Come On You Boys In Green) to support and follow everything Irish Men’s Lacrosse!

Ireland Lacrosse has developed a process to mark the occasion for each of its national team players who earn their first ‘cap’ for Ireland. The awarding of caps for a player’s appearance on a national team in an international level competitive game is a European tradition. It dates back to the early days of association football (soccer) in England, when the players wore the same cap on their heads in the absence of a set of matching shirts. Players who compete for any of the Irish National Lacrosse Teams at an official FIL or ELF sanctioned event are awarded a cap in a special team ceremony. The caps are embroidered with their name, the date of their first appearance for Ireland, and the name of the tournament. Special administrative and historical caps are also awarded to key individuals who have made a contribution to Irish lacrosse, past and present.

During the WILC, two players – Sean Gibson and Michael Kennedy – will also be reaching a special milestone by earning their 50th appearance for the Irish national lacrosse team, and they will each be provided with a special white cap in recognition of this achievement.

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

https://www.facebook.com/irelandlacrosse @IrelandLacrosse

http://www.irelandlacrosse.ie/ @IrelandLacrosse

Interested in joining the Ireland Lacrosse family? Visit www.irelandlacrosse.ie or email info@irelandlacrosse.com for more information.

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH INDOOR LACROSSE HISTORY

IRISH INDOOR LACROSSE HISTORY

The first Irish-based team to play box lacrosse was the Dublin Riggers, who attended the now defunct Harbour LAXTC Box Lacrosse Tournament back in 2005 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Box lacrosse then began to take hold in Ireland in 2005 with the creation of the Dublin Box Lacrosse League (DBLL).

The DBLL was a 4 v. 4 league and was played in a small gymnasium and took place in the middle portion of the Irish Lacrosse League (field) season (December to February) when the weather is poor. The league relied on school gymnasiums mostly due to the fact that Ireland remains one nation that does not have access to ice rinks, even to this day. The DBLL consisted of three teams – the Thunder, the Darkside and the Stormtroopers – and was used as preparation for the 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

Recently, the Emerald Islanders were created as Ireland’s official National Development Team in order to allow more opportunities for domestic and Irish players from abroad to come together to get more game time in tournaments throughout Europe. The Emerald Islanders competed in the 2013 and 2014 editions of the annual Boxmania tournament in Lille, France. Members of the team also participated in the 2015 European Box Invitational tournament in Radotin, Czech Republic in April 2015 where they faced Israel, Switzerland and the home Czech team.

Since then the league has remained true to its roots and has turned into the National Indoor Lacrosse League (NILL) and is now in its 8th season, normally running in January and February. The Dublin Riggers are currently in their 11th year as Ireland’s main box lacrosse travel team and they have competed in the prestigious Ales Hrebesky Memorial box lacrosse tournament in Prague, Czech Republic for the last 10 years, including a memorable visit in 2010 which involved a journey by car from Dublin to Prague as a result of cancelled flights due to the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland.

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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IRISH INDOOR LACROSSE HISTORY

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

IRISH INDOOR LACROSSE HISTORY

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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A warm welcome and best of luck to the Irish Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team! from, the owners and staff at Kitty Hoynes

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Kitty Hoyne's friendliness and unique atmosphere appeals to all age groups, whether for dining, sipping a pint or enjoying great live Irish/Celtic music. It’s everything you would expect from a genuine Irish pub the warmest hospitality, a 100,000 welcomes from us to you and...

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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THE BALLAD OF MICHAEL RYAN Since the day’s been old, there has yet been told the tale of a great Irish gian’t and a feat so bold, ‘twas a gem to behold that was the work of one Michael Ryan From spread across the land, there came a warrior clan who were a-fightin’ and a-workin’ and a-tryin’ and together they would stand, against the local band of man and their hero in the fray was Michael Ryan For the battle that was had, man for man and lad for lad the sweat and blood – you’d nearly swear that they were dyin’ but they did never go so mad, or their good people be so glad when in their midst emerged one Michael Ryan From down the left up to the right, and in the middle of the fight a gap in armour he did think that he was spyin’ and with the chance now in his sight, he did let fly with all his might “He’s done it now, that man – some man – that Michael Ryan!”

While there was still a hill to climb, and so precious little time some thoughts of winning (or at the very least, of tyin’) did start to come to mind, with hope of skill that was sublime demonstrated by a certain Michael Ryan

Congratulations to Sean Gibson and Ryan Doran on gaining Irish citizenship!

Duine againn féin!

‘One of our own!’

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Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

But when all was said and done, theirs were many, ours were one and there was no point pointin’ fingers, or in cryin’ for the battle that was fought, ‘twasn’t wagered all for nought for in the middle of it all was Michael Ryan And so to celebrate their lot, this band of brothers found a spot where cure elixirs they could all a-be a-buyin’ for though a victory theirs was not, they had learned an awful lot and thought, “one day I’d like to be like Michael Ryan.”

For even to this day, from friend or foe, you’ll hear them say and I swear to you that they would not be lyin’ “That when one day – please God they may – become the winners on the day, they’ll owe it all to that one man – that Michael Ryan!”

Irish Men’s National Indoor Team 2015 MEDIA GUIDE

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FIL WORLD INDOOR LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 18 - 27 SEPTEMBER 2015

https://www.facebook.com/irelandlacrosse http://www.irelandlacrosse.ie/ @IrelandLacrosse

@IrelandLacrosse