The Fenway hurling classic may be under review by the GAA for the “mass brawl” that broke out between the Dublin and Galway hurlers midway through the second quarter, but one thing seems certain: the Americans loved it.
What we might consider a routine shemozzle, only to be expected in a heated GAA match, the Americans described as a “gigantic brawl”, but also found it incredibly entertaining.
US news website UPROXX became fans after watching the intense action unfold in Boston on Sunday.
Sports writer Ross Bentley wrote that while he was unfamiliar with the "soccer, lacrosse, hockey hybrid", he was a true fan come the final whistle for one big reason.
“Admittedly, I was completely unfamiliar with the sport of hurling before seeing this clip, but if a usual match has anything near the massive brawl that took place at the match at Fenway, I think I’d be willing to give it a shot.
“The nearly 30,000 spectators that descended on Fenway Park to witness the exhibition match between two of Ireland’s top teams, Galway and Dublin were not only witness to an exciting match which Galway won 50-47, but also a gigantic brawl that seemed to escalate the further it went on.”
Which GAA top brass might have tut-tutted over the unseemly action, Americans didn’t take long to show it their appreciation.
While the replay of the schemozzle was shown on the big screen, the song “Gangster’s Paradise” erupted over the stadium's PA system.
It also emerged yesterday that no player will face any punishment for the fight and that the Boston Red Sox are extremely interested in hosting another hurling match. An all-round success really.
Another fixture would also allow people to never make this mistake again.
Here's what happens when you make your son play field hockey! https://t.co/preZlMawMe
— Phil Fortunato (@PhillyPhil1707) November 23, 2015
Field hockey? Really?