First Played in Hoboken, Hurling is Making a Comeback

Exactly 154 years ago, on a St. Patrick's Day as sunny as the 2012 version, the first ever hurling match in America was played in Hoboken. 

The match was played on the military ground behind Elysian Fields by a team called "the Kenmare Guards," according to an article about the game in the Irish American on March 27, 1858. The article was provided to Patch by Irish native Eoin Dougan, 52, who has been doing research into the matter. 

The 24 players on the field that day were divided into two groups, according to the article, the Old Men, wearing red shirts, and the young men, in white. 

"The game, which was witnessed at least by two thousand spectators, was contested with much spirit and lasted nearly three hours," according to the article. 

The young men ultimately won the game, and the "playing on both sides was very good. Capt. Connelly and the Messrs Sullivan particularly distinguished themselves."

Anoter match was scheduled for the 4th of July of that year. 

Now, 154 years later, hurling has finally returned to Hoboken in the form of the Hoboken Guards Hurling Club, the first American hurling club in the state. 

Hobokenite David Cosgrove, a founding member of the hurling club, said he hopes to bring the sport back to Hoboken and wants to expand the organization. 

The Hoboken Guards have about 35 members, Cosgrove said. The idea of starting a club came to Cosgrove about a year ago, he said. Having a beer at  he said he started talking to some guys who knew how to play. Mulligan's is now the team's primary sponsor.

"Why don't we have our own team?" Cosgrove remembers thinking. 

Cosgrove said the Hoboken Guards will also form a youth and a women's—called Camogie—team. 

"I want to help bring it back," he said. But to do that, Cosgrove said, the club is looking for sponsors. Finding a location to practice has also been a challenge, Cosgrove said, due to the lack of field space in town. The team currently trains in Liberty State Park. 

The first public hurling event in 21st century Hoboken took place during, where dozens of kids played the game. 

"It's a window into Ireland's culture," Cosgrove said. "It looks violent, but it's a beautiful game."