Conor Walsh, proud member of the Irish Lacrosse team writes an open letter to sports fans looking beyond Euro2012.
The focus for most of the country’s sports fans will be on Poland over the next few weeks with the boys in green leading an exodus of multi-coloured campervans to Poznan. What most people will not know is that Ireland will also be taking part in the European Lacrosse Championships at the same time.
Chances are you have seen some of our lacrosse videos before and surprisingly enough there is a sport that goes on behind all that fighting. Lacrosse is actually a fast paced and physical sport that was invented by Native Americans to settle tribal disputes and to prepare for war and is often referred to as Tewarathon (little brother of war).
Some people say that it is the fastest game on two feet, but I challenge any lacrosse player to stand up to Henry Shefflin and say that to him.
The Irish men’s and women’s teams will be travelling to Amsterdam in a little under two weeks to take part in the European Championships. One of the highlights for both teams will be a chance to line out against England, offering the teams the chance to create a cricket like story.
The men are featured in the top division placing them in the top 6 teams in Europe out of the 17 nations competing (31 European countries in total play lacrosse). This provides a really solid platform for the team, offering them a very realistic chance of coming home from Amsterdam with a medal.
The women’s team will be looking to improve on their 4th place finish at the last European Championships held in Finland in 2008.
Both teams open their campaigns against England on June 20th and 23rd respectively. Jump on the Ireland Lacrosse Team’s bandwagon now if you want be treated to a more entertaining, exciting, attacking style of play than their soccer counterparts.
