Aug. 12, 2010

By Michael Conway, Bucknell '92

Team Ireland and the Patriot League

The Patriot League was well represented on the Irish National Team with four former players in the Lacrosse World Championship. Ireland won the Orange Division at the FIL World Lacrosse Championships and went on to win six of seven games played in eight days. Ireland finished in ninth place among the 29 national sides at the World Tournament.

Michael Conway (Bucknell) was two-time First-Team All-Patriot midfielder and won the Patriot League Player of the Year award in 1992. He played in his 3rd World games, serving as an Irish team captain for all three campaigns. Michael is a lacrosse coach and school teacher on Long Island.

John Ryan (Army) participated in his first World Games and was also elected as a team captain. John was a star midfield at the Academy earning both Rookie of the Year 2000 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2003. He was selected as an All-Star midfielder while at the 2010 World Games. John served two tours in Iraq earning the Bronze Star. He is currently enrolled in the Columbia University School of Journalism.

Chris Byrne (Army) participated in his first World Games. Chris was a dynamic long-stick midfielder for the Irish. He was often assigned to stop the opposition's leading offensive threat. Chris played at West Point and graduated in 2003. Chris served in Iraq earning a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. He currently is a Hematology and Oncology sales specialist.

Connor Sweeney (Holy Cross) participated in his first World Games as a Goalie for the Irish. Connor just completed his senior year as the starting goalie for Holy Cross. At the World Games, Connor was a major factor in Ireland's 6-1 final record.

More details about the Irish National Team can be found here