Support Ireland Lacrosse

"I dTeanntaa Cheile" (Together as one!) is Ireland Lacrosse's motto and one that we repeatedly go back to as members of the National Ireland Lacrosse team. Our journey with Ireland Lacrosse began when we worked towards establishing our dual citizenship in Ireland and the United States. Both sides of our family have 100% Irish roots. On our father's side, both Anne and Martin Horkan were born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States, settling in Boston. On our mother's side, her paternal grandparents (Connolly) were raised in Ireland and immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. We participated in the 2021 World Games as members of the National Ireland U20 team. In 2024, Sean was a member of the U20 team that won European Nationals in Poland. Liam missed the age cut-off by one week and was not able to play but was there as a spectator. We both tried out in Dublin, Ireland this winter and earned roster spots on the U20 team and men's team respectively. The U20 team is scheduled for Worlds in Korea and the men's team will compete for Euros in Poland this summer.

Ireland Lacrosse History

Men’s lacrosse in Ireland emerged in 1872 and died out in the early 1900s, with women’s lacrosse then emerging in the 1920s and subsequently dying out around 1970. The Irish Men’s National Lacrosse Team was re-established to compete in the 2001 European Championships tournament in Penarth, Wales. The men’s senior team has continued to participate in major tournaments since that time. The Irish Men’s Box National Team was added in 2007, and an Irish Men’s Under-19 National Team was added in 2016, and an Irish Men’s 6s National Team formed recently. Membership is comprised of players who are from Ireland and/or carry dual citizenship in Ireland.

Each member of the team is expected to fundraise for Ireland Lacrosse, which is a non-profit organization. Fundraising covers the cost of training, accommodations for the team at tournaments, staff, and gear. Athletes are responsible for their travel and other necessary responsibilities of being members of the team. It is our hope that this GoFundMe and other events lined up can defer the cost we are required to provide the organization. 30% of fundraising goes to Ireland Lacrosse and 70% goes to the costs that we need to commit to for membership on the team.

Being a member of Ireland Lacrosse is a privilege and an honor for us. There is no greater pride than playing for our grandparents' country of origin on the world stage. We take great pride in wearing the Irish flag on our jersey and singing the Ireland National Anthem in front of the world to see. Whether you are watching in person or from home, it is a sight to see. We hope that you will consider donating to our fundraiser and supporting our efforts to get to Poland and Korea in the summer of 2025. We thank you in advance for your support of our efforts.

Sincerely,

Liam and Sean Horkan