Utica Rugby to participate in Irish Fest

(Frankfort, NY) This weekend, the Utica Klubs rugby team will play host to teams throughout the state as they participate in the Great American Irish Festival, which will be held at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. The festival commences on July 23 and continues throughout the weekend, and features Irish/Celtic musical acts, culinary fare, merchandise, and, of course, sporting events.

The Utica Klubs, which has participated in the festival for the last four years, feel that the sport of rugby is a perfect addition to the annual event. “Both the men’s and ladies’ teams have many players of Irish descent, so we felt that the Great American Irish Festival was a great venue,” said Craig McNamara, a player for the Klubs. “And anyone can play. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, or what age you are, as long as you like fast-paced, dynamic sports.”

The Utica Hellbenders ladies’ team will start off the festival on Friday at 5 p.m., with a round robin tournament featuring their team, Saratoga and Saranac Lake. The men’s team will cap off the festival at 11 a.m. on Sunday, when the Utica teams go up against Binghamton, Syracuse, Saranac Lake and the CNY Old Boys.

And past rugby players who hung up their jersey a while ago but have been hoping to get back into the game are in luck – according to McNamara, there’s always room for more. “If you used to play, please feel free to bring your boots and your mouth guard, and we’ll be happy to find you a team.”

The Great American Irish Festival kicks off on Friday, July 23 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort at 5 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m. Saturday hours are from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. For further information on the Great American Irish Festival and Utica Rugby, visit gaif.us and uticarugby.com.

Utica Rugby to participate in Irish Fest

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