Na Fianna vs. Tipperary: North America’s Greatest Hurling Rivalry Heads to Chicago
Two of the most dominant hurling clubs in North America—Na Fianna and the Tipperary Hurling Club of San Francisco—are heading to Chicago to compete for the Sheamus Howlin Cup in the prestigious Senior Hurling Challenge.
Widely regarded as the top senior teams in the USGAA, these two clubs have forged one of the fiercest rivalries in North American hurling—and this month they bring it to Chi-Town for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Na Fianna vs. Tipperary in the Final at the North American Senior Hurling Challenge in Chicago, 2024. Photo by Willliam Wayland
Na Fianna has a storied history. Since their founding, they’ve claimed seven national titles, including an unprecedented three consecutive USGAA Senior Championships. Last year, they won the Senior Hurling Challenge by edging out their Bay Area rivals, Tipperary, in the final.
“We’re looking forward to going to Chicago and defending the title we won last year,” said Tom Tierney, Na Fianna Midfielder and Vice Chairperson. “The Chicago Senior Hurling Challenge has become the de facto Senior Hurling Championship for North America because every club is competing at full strength with inter-county players who’ve had time to gel with their North American teams.”
Na Fianna with the Sheamus Howlin Cup at the North American Senior Hurling Challenge in Chicago, 2024. Photo by Willliam Wayland
But Tipperary is no underdog. The club has ascended to elite status in recent years, capturing back-to-back USGAA national championships—first in Denver in 2023, then again on home turf in San Francisco last year where they exacted revenge on Na Fianna in a hard-fought final decided by a single point.
“What’s great about the Chicago Senior Hurling Challenge is that this is when every club is at full strength,” said Jamie Burke, Tipperary Goalkeeper and Club Chairperson. “Whoever lifts the Sheamus Howlin Cup in Chicago will be the best club in North America.”
“The Chicago Senior Hurling Challenge has become the showplace for the best hurling in North America,” Burke continued. “Na Fianna and Tipp play each other several times each season, and because of that, each club is always pushing to raise their game.”
Na Fianna vs. Tipperary in the Final at the North American Senior Hurling Challenge in Chicago, 2024. Photo by Willliam Wayland
The level of competition in Chicago also raises the bar for American-born players.
“The pace of the game in America has really accelerated,” said Tierney. “I’ve noticed that in the last year, especially during the St. Patrick’s Cup in San Francisco this year. What’s great about the Senior Hurling Challenge is that it pushes our homebase players, especially the Americans, to compete at an even higher level.”
Na Fianna vs. Tipperary in the Final at the North American Senior Hurling Challenge in Chicago, 2024. Photo by Willliam Wayland
Week in and week out, the highest standard of hurling in the United States is found at Páirc na nGael on Treasure Island, where both clubs play their home games. But in Chicago, they’ll test their mettle once again—against each other and against the best from across North America—for another piece of silverware.
No doubt about it: the road to the Sheamus Howlin Cup runs through San Francisco.
Na Fianna vs. Tipperary in the Final at the North American Senior Hurling Challenge in Chicago, 2024. Photo by Willliam Wayland
