Madelyn Lazzara ‘28
Staff Writer
A sport rooted in Irish culture is gaining a new presence at the College of the Holy Cross. The coed Gaelic Football Club, recently recognized as an official student organization, brings together experienced athletes and newcomers looking to compete, build friendships, and try something different.
For sophomore Regan Allison, joining the club began with an Instagram post. She had never heard of Gaelic football, but decided to reach out and give it a try.
“I joined in September of my freshman year and never looked back!”
Learning a new sport was made easier by the support of her teammates. Allison remembers upper-class students welcoming her, patiently teaching her the game, and making her feel like part of the group. Now in her second year, she continues to value the friendships that extend beyond the pitch.
The team balances competition with a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. Players bring different strengths to the game, while laughter and support remain central to practices and games. Allison credits her captains, Daniel Oberlies and Madelyn Lazzara, with helping her grow both as a player and as a teammate.
“They always push me to do better and cheer me on,” Allison said, describing how the captains can move from joking around with the team to teaching a new drill without losing that sense of connection.
Unlike Allison, sophomore Bevan Doherty arrived at Holy Cross with years of experience. She grew up playing Gaelic football with St. Brendan’s in Boston, where the sport was closely connected to her Irish family background.
“With parents and family from Ireland, it was always something we were brought up playing so we could have that connection with our cousins and culture.”
Doherty was excited to find a team at Holy Cross, especially as an opportunity to share a sport that has shaped her life. Her experience has also made her a resource for newer players, many of whom are encountering Gaelic football for the first time.
The game requires more skill and practice than spectators might expect. Often described as a mix of soccer, basketball, and rugby, Gaelic football combines kicking, hand-passing, and soloing in a physical, fast-paced format.
“Until you try the sport, it can look very easy,” Doherty explained. Developing confidence takes time, and she emphasizes the importance of patience as teammates learn the fundamentals.
The club reached an important milestone at the end of last spring, when members worked to secure official recognition from Holy Cross. Students prepared applications and presentations, laying the groundwork for the organization’s continued growth. Since then, increased visibility has helped bring new players to the team.
Outside campus, the club has found support from the Worcester Fenians, a local Gaelic football organization. Allison’s first game came at Polar Park, where she played alongside the Fenians at the annual Irish Cultural Festival after just two weeks of experience. Although she was nervous, the welcoming atmosphere helped her settle in, and the team came away with a win.
Her connection to the Fenians continued over the summer, when she had the opportunity to play with them and further develop her skills. Doherty also played with her local team this past summer, and sees partnerships with other teams as a way to build relationships in New England and create more opportunities for competition.
Support from the local community, club alumni, and players’ families has included help with player development, jerseys, and regional and national competitions. For the Holy Cross club, these connections are an important part of establishing a sustainable team.
While preparing for their upcoming games, the players are focused on developing their skills while making the sport accessible to others. Whether joining with years of experience or discovering Gaelic football for the first time, students are finding a place on the pitch and within the community.
From the team’s last game of the 2026 spring season, photo provided by Madelyn Lazzara
Copy edited by Josh Rosenberg ’29
Featured image courtesy of Madelyn Lazzara ’28
Leave a Reply