Wild Geese Classic

Last updated

Wild Geese Classic
Stadium Gaelic Grounds
Location Limerick, Ireland
Operated1991

The Wild Geese Classic was an NCAA-sanctioned American college football game played in Limerick, Ireland. It was played at the Gaelic Grounds on November 16, 1991.

The game was scheduled to mark the 300th anniversary of the Flight of the Wild Geese of 1691 and was named for the Irish soldiers who resisted the Siege of Limerick. [1] The game matched NCAA Division I-AA teams Fordham and Holy Cross with Holy Cross winning 24–19. [2]

While the Gaelic Grounds had a capacity at the time of about 50,000 people, [1] the game had an attendance of approximately 12,000 people. [3] According to a contemporary report in the New York Times, some of the local Irish attendees (including the sports editor from the Limerick Leader ) queried how substitutions could be made freely between plays. And, while some were unfamiliar with "linebackers and end-arounds", the attendees "did recognize high hang-time punts, which in rugby are called Garryowens". [3]

Game results

DateWinnerLoser
November 16, 1991 Holy Cross 24 Fordham 19

References

  1. 1 2 "Holy Cross–Fordham meet in first Wild Geese Classic". The Naples Daily News. 22 October 1991. Retrieved 29 January 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  2. ↑ "Crusaders invade Ireland, claim 19th straight victim". The Boston Sunday Globe. 17 November 1991. Retrieved 29 January 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 Clarity, James F. (17 November 1991). "College Football; Old Sod or New, Crusaders Just Win". The New York Times.
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