Tipperary Claims the Sheamus Howlin Cup at North America’s Premier Hurling Tournament
After falling just short in the 2024 final, the Tipperary Hurling Club of San Francisco returned to Chicago this July with something to prove.
Over one grueling weekend at Gaelic Park, Tipperary battled through intense heat and elite-level competition to win the North American Senior Hurling Challenge—a tournament now recognized as the de facto Senior Hurling Championship for North America. It’s where the continent’s top teams come together at full strength, and where the winner lifts the Sheamus Howlin Cup.
Chicago’s brutal summer heat posed a unique challenge for the Bay Area club, more accustomed to the cool, foggy conditions of Páirc na nGael. But Tipp rose to the occasion.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday, when Tipperary opened with a dominant performance against local side Michael Cusack Hurling Club of Chicago, winning 2-25 to 1-07.
Later that same day, they faced another test against Father Tom’s of Boston. Down a man after a red card and trailing by as many as six points, Tipperary mounted a gutsy comeback. With just 14 men on the field, they clawed their way back to edge out Father Tom’s in a nail-biter: 1-24 to 2-19.
Tipp earned their place in the final on Sunday —and were up against a club steeped in history and tradition: Galway Hurling Club of Boston.
Founded in 1909, Galway is one of the oldest hurling clubs in North America and part of Boston’s rich hurling heritage. They earned their spot in the final by defeating Windy City (Chicago) and Na Fianna (San Francisco)—the very club that had denied Tipperary the title one year earlier.
But this time, Tipperary wouldn’t be denied. With sharp shooting, tight marking, and strong homebase and American players, they outpaced Galway to win the final 1-27 to 0-21—claiming the Sheamus Howlin Cup and putting a definitive stamp on their summer campaign.
Tipperary Captain Sean Ryan (#13) was named Player of the Tournament, a fitting recognition for his leadership and performance throughout the weekend. Cathal O’Neill (#11) earned Man of the Match honors in the final for his outstanding play.
The win adds to an already impressive run for Tipperary, who are also the reigning USGAA Senior Hurling Champions. Now, with the Chicago title in hand, they’ve proven themselves again on what many consider the biggest stage for hurling in North America.
Congratulations to all clubs who competed—and hats off to the Tipperary Hurling Club of San Francisco, champions of the 2025 North American Senior Hurling Challenge.
Photography by William Wayland
