Third Traditional St. Patrick's Day lacrosse game

Courtesy photo/Jack Elizondo

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The Judge Memorial Bulldogs defeat the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle lacrosse team in the third annual Saint Patrick's Day lacrosse match March 17.

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School and Juan Diego Catholic High School met for their third traditional St. Patrick’s Day lacrosse game March 17. But first Father Patrick Carley, a priest from Ireland and member of the Hibernian Society, celebrated Mass for them in the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Fr. Carley is pastor of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan.

In his homily, Fr. Carley told the two teams to remember they are brothers. "Rivalry is terrific and tough competition is wonderful," he said. "Hard-hitting on the field is the way it is supposed to be, but it should all be done with respect. When the game is over, remember to remain friends because you share a wonderful faith tradition together."

Before Mass, Fr. Carley enlightened the two teams about the game of hurling. "It’s an ancient Gaelic game resembling field hockey," he said as he explained how hurling is played, adding that it is a much rougher sport than lacrosse.

"Fr. Carley and I are members of the Hibernian Society and his message to the boys is incredible," said Patrick Lambert, Juan Diego lacrosse coach since 2002. "He has a wonderful way of getting the boys’ attention, relating to them and driving home a message with sincerity and humor. Fr. Carley recognizes the importance of having a good relationship between the two high schools."

Judge Memorial defeated Juan Diego 5-4 on the lacrosse field.

"It was a defensive battle," Lambert said. "The game was 2-1 at the end of the first half, which is a pretty unheard-of score. Typically a final score is around 10 goals per team. This game came down to the wire, with Judge putting in a goal with about two or three minutes left in the game."

"It was a great game and that’s what we were going for," said David Allen, Judge Memorial’s lacrosse coach since 1994. "It was a healthy rivalry and I was fortunate to come out as the victor. "

Patrick Griffin got the Bulldogs going by scoring two goals. "Fr. Carley noted Griffin was Irish as he was talking to the players prior to the Mass, so I guess it was the luck of the Irish," Allen said. "Brian Allen scored one goal and got two assists. Our goalie, Matt Crispo, had an outstanding game with 11 saves. The whole team really played well."

Erik Gronseth, the Juan Diego goalie, also had 11 saves and a great game, said Lambert. "Our offense was led by Luke Graney with two goals and Stephen Dunn, who had three assists. We had twice as many penalties as Judge, which hurt us. We are both high-powered offensive teams."

A special rivalry exists between Lambert and Allen because Lambert is a Judge Memorial graduate and, as a student, played lacrosse for Allen.

"I have a lot of respect for Coach Allen and it’s fun for my team to play against his," said Lambert. "We are both in Division I and in the top five schools with Alta, Brighton and Park City. We have won some games against Judge and they have beat us."