Who are the Iroquois Nationals?
Lacrosse is a Native American game originally played in the northeastern United States by the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, Oneida and Tuscarora Nations, collectively known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy who compete in international lacrosse as the Iroquois Nationals.
The Game Is a Medicine
The Iroquois Nationals believe that the game is a “medicine”, a gift from the Creator, played for his enjoyment and for healing.
The Soul Of The Sport
Despite being ‘the soul of the sport’ (says CEO of Ireland Lacrosse, Michael Kennedy), the Iroquois Nationals were denied a place in the World Games in Alabama 2022. Despite having qualified, Ireland, withdrew.
The Sacrifice
The Iroquois Nationals were initially excluded from the World games because they are not a sovereign nation (and without an Olympic Committee). The association relented and agreed that if a place could be found for the Iroquois, they could participate. Ireland Lacrosse made the sacrifice and withdrew.
More Important Than A Deserving Brother
“There are more important things than just playing the sport they love, especially not at the expense of another, more deserving brother. They are the spiritual part of the game and they say that they received the game from the Creator, it’s something special to have that connection.”
How They Can Help Us?
The Iroquois leadership is “extremely grateful” and they want to know how they can help us.” Lacrosse Ireland are hosting the Men’s U20 World Championship in 2021 at the University of Limerick and are very keen to increase the number of native American teams that come to Limerick next summer.”
Iroquois Teams and Strong Bond Coming
The Iroquois Nationals Board announced “We plan to bring more teams and fans to the (Irish) tournament and the accompanying festival. We look forward to plenty of craic (Irish fun) in Limerick next summer, and continuing to build the strong bond we have with Ireland Lacrosse.”
The Depth Of Our Appreciation
“Words do not do justice in expressing the depth of our appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice of Ireland Lacrosse. Their (Lacrosse Ireland) genuine concern, empathy, and selflessness demonstrates a true understanding of the ideals of our Medicine Game.”
“We are honoured to share the world lacrosse stage with our Irish brethren, and we are especially excited about being part of the [tournament in Ireland].”
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More information on the 2021 Lacrosse Men’s U20 World Championship at the University of Limerick https://main.irelandlacrosse.ie/
Original article by Michael Glennon (2020): Ireland Lacrosse sacrifice place in ‘Medicine Game’ tournament for greater good , RTE News 6 Sep .
Thanks to Ken McCue, from Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI), for alerting me to the story.
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I feel that was not only the right thing to do, but the “Honourable” thing to do, just want to say thank you to my brothers back home and may I say congratulations to the Iroquois Nationals can play. I live in Canada, but my ancestors are Irish and it makes very proud indeed.
Maith An Fear Glenn (good man yourself) pronounced: maw on far.
Well said Glenn. Honour is a virtue that is not acknowledged by some of those in power today. It is, however, so invigorating when we see honour amongst the few who practise it. Thanks for highlighting this. And as you say, congratulations to the Iroquois Nationals too. Slán (bye).
This is so wonderful and the bond between North American Indigenous people and Ireland grows stronger every day ❤️
Indeed it does Tasha. Have you seen that wonderful sculpture in Cork in honour of the Choctaw Indians who sent $170 over in the 1847 to help the starving people of Ireland (during the famine)? I posted it on my linkedin page (croll back to https://www.linkedin.com/in/prsmithmarketing/ – it is truly remarkable!
You are right Tasha – the bond grows stronger. It is extraordinary really.