Back to defend its 2024 crown after a short-handed team packed up after pool play a year ago, Old Gaelic won the year’s first tournament in dominant fashion.

A stacked squad full of Central Penn Premier 7s veterans and Cherry Hill’s Favorite Son, Coach Paulie Holmes, took care of business with 24 total tries to just four given up, eventually winning the Cup over Rowan University.

The win kicked off a busy and hungry offseason as the club hopes to host the EPRU Championship trophy for the second time in three years. See the training and match schedule below:

2/11- Indoor practice 8-9pm

2/12 – Gettysburg Ghost Tour – Follow along with Cappy as he takes you to his favorite haunts.

2/14 – 6 Nations Watch Party at TBD

2/21- Mandatory Indoor practice at Keystone Field House Carlisle 3-4 (Big Field)

2/26 – First official practice at the Ranch

2/27 – Townie Garage Crawl 7-8pm

2/28- Mandatory Indoor practice 12-1 at Keystone Fieldhouse Carlisle (Big Field)

3/2 – And beyond we will be back to Tues/Thurs practices at the Ranch

3/7 – OG at Gorge D3

3/14 – OG at PERC D1

3/21 – OG at NB (EPRU Semifinals).

3/28 – EPRU Finals at highest remaining seed

4/11 – Friendly: Northeast Philly irish @ Old Gaelic

4/18 – Friendly and Spike Eggleston Memorial Day: Frederick RFC @ Old Gaelic

4/25 – OGREs @ Lancaster Old Boys

5/2-5/3 – ASR hosted by Empire at Niagara University

5/16 – Nationals weekend, Chicago, Ill.

Fueled by their joint passion for criticizing others, grizzled forwards Paul Holmes and Alexander Diegel have taken their services to the big leagues, offering critical criticisms to teams and players for a fee.

“The kind of flaws we point out can’t just be offered by anyone,” detailed Holmes. “We get into really personal stuff. Conduct background checks, scan social media for past embarrassments, that kind of stuff.”

“Facebook’s where the real gold is,” added Diegel. “If you had a shitty breakup in 2014, we’ll find it. And reference it in the video in some sort of hurtful analogy to your play.”

With a more than fair fee structure, the Destructive Duo is charging clubs $100 for a 5-10 minute video, $200 for a 15 minute video, and charges a $25 bonus if someone cries ($30 if it’s a wing).

See samples of Holmes and DIegs’ critical criticisms here:

(We hope you find these heartfelt analyses valuable. Also, thank God Hart unretired to play 80 minutes of fullback in the playoffs).

Following its first two-match losing streak in (insert how many years?), Old Gaelic got off the mat to defeat Philly-Whitemarsh, 46-10, and start the 50th Anniversary Celebration right.

Outside center Tyler Johnson got the scoring started a few minutes in with a penalty kick, on his way to a Man of the Match performance. Whitemarsh came back with a strike through the OG defense for its first and only try of the day. After that, fullback Chris Armbrust broke the line off a feed from #10 Kory Harris, and a quick-tap try from prop Broc Shives shortly after, put the home team up, 17-7, and in control of the match.

Philly tightened the match with a PK 17-10, but that would be its last score of the day. Johnson put two tries in before half, split another conversion with Harris, and it was all Gold at the break, 29-10.

Johnson started the scoring as he did the first half, with another PK, then it was eight-man JT Hammond’s turn for a quick tap try off a Whitemarsh penalty. Wing Alexander Schaefer notched the game’s last try to mark the final margin, 46-10.

From there, a mighty contingent of Gaelics headed over to the Mechanicsburg Club banquet room for four hours of fun and celebration.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a special Anniversary Weekend, and made it another epic Fall of OG Rugby. Here’s to 50 more years!

MOTM: Johnson

Viking: Lock Tommy Cloak, who finished another 80-minute shift and combined with Judge Rieck to form a formidable duo and dominant day in the lineouts.

Missed the party? You can view our special program videos here:

History of Old Gaelic

2010 and 2024 Championship Mashup videos

The once-promising career trajectory of local political candidate (position, office, affiliation, still unknown) came crashing down Monday afternoon when some disturbing behavior was leaked to the press.

David “YoSon” Young, the upstart who came roaring out of the gates with his, “If there’s no crust, it’s a bust” slogan, was rocked when a new phrase became attached to his name. “I wash my hands of it.”

The flippant response was in reply to a local nonprofit organization’s request for Young to come remove an old, non-functioning podium after he had illegally dumped it in the Old Gaelic garage.

When reminded this property was for the storing of rugby equipment, and politely asked to come remove the podium to ensure no illegal dumping charges would be pressed, the 35-year-old Carlisle native rudely replied, “I wash my hands of it.”

“You know, we live in a society, and in a society, there are rules,” remarked Old Gaelic President and chief political rival Alex Diegel. “Taking advantage of small, nonprofit organizations is an abhorrent act we cannot tolerate. If you want to illegally dump your trash, do it in the dumpsters behind Giant, like a normal person.

This is a developing story…

All current and former players, coaches, partners, friends, and fans of Old Gaelic are invited to the 50th Anniversary celebration of this incredible club! You know us from our winning rugby, certainly at the local bars, and also doing a little good like partnering with the Lions Club for Christmas Tree sales, it’s your favorite Cumberland County Nonprofit’s Birthday!

Join us on Saturday, November 1 at the Mechanicsburg Club, from 6-10 p.m., 333 Heinz Street, Mechanicsburg. The weekend features a Welcome Party at the Wild Rabbit on Friday, and of course a featured home match Saturday afternoon. The night will include photos and match highlights on the AV, as well as a featured video detailing the club’s history, dinner, a dance contest, and plenty of ways to connect with old friends. On Wednesday, October 29, kick off the week with the “Dine to Donate” fundraiser at Neato Burrito. Just choose your favorite location, where some OG gear or name drop the club, and 25% of the sale benefits Old Gaelic Rugby.

See the rest of the celebration details below.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

As we approach this milestone event, we want to thank our sponsors for this upcoming celebration, as well as our recent golf outing.

• All Pro Trailer Superstore
• Armitage Golf Club
• Celsius Energy
• First Amendment Custom Carves
• Leggett, Inc.
• Levick Design Group
• Neato Burrito
• Next Shot Golf
• Vickie Geesamen, Edward Jones Financial Group
• Scott Avery
• Jeff Cook
• JJ Glahn
• John Glace
• McLaughling Energy Services
• Tim Stefanon
• West Shore Golf Club
• Organic Remedies

Shortly after sharing Saturday’s film with the team, Old Gaelic President Alex Diegel was bombarded with critical texts.

“You’re a real pizzashit,” cited Kenny Levick, phoning in from Oregon.

“What the fuck was that?” cried Vice President Russell Kane.

“Go fuck yourself, Diegel,” exclaimed David Young. (Though it’s unclear to this day if that message was related to the film itself, or just a general statement from Dave).

“Bunch of ungrateful assholes,” Diegel muttered in reply while admiring his handiwork. “Also, where’s the Susquehanna Cup?”

Nearly a hundred Gaelics representing 5 decades of Gaelic rugby and friendship gathered at Frank Lentz IV Memorial Field on a beautiful May Saturday. Hoops was played, complete with a new set of asterisks, our Old Boys provided a roast pig and catered appetizers, and a bouncy house was on the premises for the Littles.

Thanks to all who came out to make it a great day, and who continue to make this a special club. Be on the lookout for additional photos, coming soon, and be sure to join us for our next events, including our February 2026 trip to the Cayman Islands. *Sign ups Needed!!*:

2025 Club and 50th Events

6/19: Jubilee Day. Same tent, same location.
7/19 or 7/26: Bringing the Yellow Breeches float back.
8/16: Calling all OGREs! Get your boots for the Atlantic Cup Over 35 tournament in Lewes, DE!
10/4: Old Gaelic golf tournament fundraiser at Rich Valley
11/1: Homecoming Match and 50th Anniversary Formal at the Mechanicsburg Club to follow
12/6: Annual Holiday Party at the Caddyshack
12/18: Caroling in Carlisle First Stop of the Gaelic Winter Tour
Weekend of 2/28/26: 50th Celebration to Cayman Islands playing/fun-time tour.

Sign up for the Cayman Islands Tour here.

• General Tour info.
• Players/admins/supporters/families welcome.