SPÓIRT NA hÉIREANN | IRISH SPORT

AN IOMÁNAÍOCHT ÁITIÚIL | LOCAL HURLING

Hurling arrived in Missoula, Montana, thanks to Fulbright Scholar Naoise Waldron, who introduced the 'fastest game on grass' to the region. This led to the establishment of the Montana Grizzlies Hurling Team at the University of Montana in 2013 and the Thomas Meagher Hurling Team in 2015, Missoula's adult hurling club.

The Montana Grizzlies have achieved remarkable success, claiming four National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association (NCGAA) Championships. They compete regionally and nationally across the United States. The Meagher's participate in tournaments and United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA) competitions nationwide.

Each year, Missoula hosts a vibrant St. Patrick's Day Hurling Match for the local community. The Meagher’s play host to the McEneaney Cup, an annual tournament attracting hurling teams from across the Northwest to Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Beyond the Grizzlies and Meagher's, Montana boasts a thriving hurling community with the Wolfe Tones Hurling Club in Butte and the Glacier Hurling Club in Kalispell. These clubs foster a strong sense of community through weekly training sessions, participation in local events and regular social events, such as the Hurling Bash in Butte. These get-togethers provide valuable support for each club, facilitate joint training sessions, and culminate in the annual Draft Tournament, also held in Butte.