Holy Cross' Sweeney to Suit Up for Ireland
from press releases
WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross senior men's
lacrosse goalie Connor Sweeney (South Salem, N.Y.)
will represent Ireland in the 2010 Federation of International
Lacrosse (FIL) Men's World Championship in Manchester, England in
July, while Holy Cross graduate and former Crusader lacrosse player
Jim Carboneau (Class of 1974), will serve as a
referee at the championship.
"We are very proud that Holy Cross will be represented by two fine
people at the World Championship," said Holy Cross head men's
lacrosse coach Adam Pascal. "Connor has been working hard in the
goal and in the weight room to become a better goaltender. He
brings great intangibles to the field and we are very proud of this
honor. Connor has been successful at every level he's played so we
all expect him to do fine against the world's best. Jim is a
decorated official and a great representative of New England
officials and lacrosse. It's great because he comes back for alumni
games and his reunions, as he has kept involved in Holy Cross. I
have known him since high school when he was officiating my games
so he has definitely seen a lot of lacrosse."
Sweeney, who has dual citizenship, is one of 23 members of the
Irish team selected from a pool of more than 80 candidates that
participated in selection camps in Ireland and New York. The full
squad assembled for a weekend mini-camp and fund-raising event in
Dublin in early January. Sweeney, who was an alternate in 2006, is
very excited to be competing against the best players in the world.
"Playing against the best competition in the world is pretty
appealing to me," said Sweeney. "But also I'm going to be with a
bunch of great guys experiencing different cultures."
Sweeney, who is expected to be the starter this year for the
Crusaders, is also excited for the upcoming season. "We have been
working hard this year and we have a lot of talent coming back,"
said Sweeney. "We have a lot of newcomers who will look to earn
time right away and we should definitely be competitive."
Carboneau, who is currently the Athletic Director at Holliston High
School in Holliston, Mass., has been reffing since graduating from
Holy Cross and recently received his 35 year pin. "I am proud to be
selected and am looking forward to Manchester," said Carboneau.
"Officiating has kept me involved in the game I love. Going to
the world games is a great honor. It is a validation of
everything you work for and is the culmination of my career."
The Crusaders kick off the 2010 season when they play at St. John's
on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Holy Cross returns nine of 10
starters and 27 letterwinners from last season.
