Hundreds of Leitrim GAA fans crossing the Atlantic for Sunday's clash with New York

New York is in line for a Green & Gold invasion this weeked as hundreds of Leitrim GAA fans cross the Atlantic for next Sunday's Connacht Senior Football Championship clash with New York.

Most of the local fans made their way over to the Big apple yesterday, with the last remains supporters heading over today.
With the Exiles being quietly tipped to win their first ever Connacht Senior Championship clash, the pressure is building for Leitrim as they attempt to set up a Provincial Semi-Final meeting with neighbours Roscommon in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada on Saturday, May 26.

RTE and the national media obviously think a shock may be on the cards too with the national broadcaster providing live radio commentary of the game on RTE Radio One from 7pm next Sunday evening.
But forewarned is forearmed and the Leitrim camp travel to New York very well aware of the challenge that faces them. And if they needed any reminding, Colin Regan's This Sporting Life column in this week's Observer will serve as an eye-0pener!
The trip to the Big Apple also serves as a welcome opportunity for Leitrim exiles in New York to meet up with family and friends from home and it seems like the opportunity is being embraced wholeheartedly.

According to Manorhamilton native and long-time New York resident Frank Brady, the Big Apple is getting ready for a Leitrim invasion .“Word is that attics are being aired, basements de-cluttered and pullout couches readied to accommodate the large influx of loyal Leitrim supporters” he writes in a report to the Observer (see Letters page).
The Leitrim community in New York is very much embracing the game with Frank adding “The Leitrim businesses on McLean and Katonah Avenues have hoisted the Leitrim flags and there is plenty of Green & Gold to be seen on the side streets.”
With an incredible array of events planned, New York won't seem so much like the Big Apple but rather a home from home with two friendly matches and five club and county functions on the agenda for supporters between Friday evening and Monday afternoon!

But when all is said and done, it is what happens in Gaelic Park on Sunday that will command the attention and here's wishing Leitrim the best of luck in New York.

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