Gaelic Park

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gaelic Park is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in New York City. It is home to the New York hurling and Gaelic football teams.

Located just west of Broadway, on the north side of 240th street, near Manhattan College, Gaelic Park was purchased in 1926 by the Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York. It has been given a few different names over time including Innisfail Park, but since the 1950s it has gone by its current name, Gaelic Park, a reflection of the park’s decidedly Irish flavor. The park includes a playing field and dance hall. In addition to hurling and football matches, a number of other sporting events take place at Gaelic Park. There are also concerts and dances that feature Irish music both old and new.

The GAA ran the park for about 10 years until it was forced into bankruptcy, after which the city took over the land. The property was then leased again in 1941 to John "Kerry" O’Donnell, who with the help of his family and friends ran the park, dance hall, and tavern.

The park was taken over by Manhattan College in 1991, and now currently goes under the official name of The Gaelic Park Sports Center. The college has kept up the traditions of Gaelic Park, as well as doing some significant renovations, and now also uses it for home games of lacrosse, soccer, and softball.