By: Denise Foley

 That's why they call it football.

It was a close one for the Philadelphia Shamrocks hurling team who went up against the Allentown Hibernians again at Cardinal Dougherty High School on Sunday, June 1. The Shamrocks won 3-5 to 3-2.

The Shamrocks team, like the Hibernians, is a brand new bunch of guys, many American who are just learning the game. "We have a stronger team as well, largely Irish, who are going up against Washington, DC, later this year," says Frank O'Meara, team captain. The other hurling team in Philadelphia, the Brian Borus, folded this year because of lack of players. 

 Also on the field: The Kevin Barrys GFC trumped the Young Irelanders 1-11 to 1-8 in a fierce game that left three footballers with minor injuries.

• See the hurling action.
• View the slideshow.
• See the football action.
• View the slideshow.