Hudson County Lacrosse Standouts Play for Ireland Men's National Lacrosse Team in International Tournament

HOBOKEN, NJ -- Two teens who got their start in the sport in Hudson County are marking their mark as members of the U20 (Under 20) Ireland Men's National Lacrosse Team, which is competing in the European Championships in Wroclaw, Poland this week.

Hudson County residents Aneel Ward (Weehawken) and Jack Halleron (Hoboken), both students at St. Peter's Prep, are participating in the U20 Men’s European Lacrosse Championships as members of the U20 (Under 20) Ireland Men's National Lacrosse Team.

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The games in Wrocław, Poland feature 13 teams from across Europe competing for the title. Ward and Halleron each hold dual citizenship in Ireland through their parents.

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity to represent my Dad’s country," Ward said. "It’s just an unbelievable experience, being able to compete against guys from around the world and growing the sport of lacrosse.

Ward, 17, who will be entering his senior year at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, said, "I’m also beyond thankful for the coaches and people that have helped me develop into the athlete and man I am today, and I wouldn’t be in this position without them.”

Halleron, 16, who will be a junior at St. Peter's Prep, said, “It’s an amazing opportunity to play for my Mother’s home country and to play at the international level with a lot of high-talent players from across the globe. It’s an incredible experience to be a part of the team and the movement to take the game to the world-wide stage. I have a lot of people in my life to thank, such as my coaches over the years for forming me into the player and person I am today, and also to family for always being by my side. I’m honored to play for Ireland and hope to bring back gold.”

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Ward will attend the University of Vermont after graduation in 2025. He will play Division I lacrosse for the Catamounts.

"The St. Peter's Prep community, but more specifically the Prep Lacrosse family, could not ask for two better young men to represent us on a world stage," Andrew Watts, the head lacrosse coach at St. Peter’s Prep, said. "Jack and Aneel continue to push our team and community to be better and I fully expect them to do the same for the Ireland national team. Watching them grow the sport they both love around the world, is something truly special. They have more fans than they know cheering them on from 144 Grand St. "

Ward and Halleron both developed their skills playing for Hoboken Lacrosse Club https://hobokenlacrosseclub.com/ .

“Hoboken lacrosse is happy to share that both Aneel Ward and Jack Halleron learned the foundations of the Creator’s game here in Hoboken," said Sean Sargent, coach of the Hoboken Lacrosse Club. "Both showed love of the game, grit, tenacity and respect, so we are proud to see them represent Ireland and Hoboken during these games."

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