Lance Around Orlando

The Orlando Hurling Club

10:30am Arrival at Enzian
Our friend Linda joins us today for “The Secret of Kells.”  The line is long, so I purchase tickets for fear it will be sold out and my press pass won’t get me in. In the meantime I interview some people in line 

Marty Crean is here for his first FFF and Enzian movie.  It’s because he’s Irish by descent and some years ago he saw the actual Book of Kells in Dublin.  Although he lived in Orlando for 13 years, he does not know why he has never been to the Enzian. 

Mike Hull is a fellow Hokie lover.  He is attending his first FFF.  His neighbor, Chris Moeller, has been to at least 6 or 7 and brought Mike along.  He saw “Shorts 2” yesterday and enjoyed them.  He’s been to the Enzian many times and is really looking forward to his first FFF inside the Enzian.  Chris has lived in Orlando for 45 years and is a big fan of the Enzian. 

Erica Cox has been to many festivals at Enzian.  “I’m excited that FFF is here.  We’re exposed to some culture that we wouldn’t normally be.  It’s kind of a hidden gem.  Most people don’t know it’s here.”   She feels that people who have never experienced the FFF are “missing out,” as she excitedly flags down the other members of her party who are just now entering the theatre. 

In a surprise revelation, Erica discloses that she is a member of the New World Celts, which is an organization that promotes the Celtic culture in Orlando.  Her friend, Mick Dunlap, is on the Orlando Hurling Club.  

Erica calls over George Houston and Michael O’Neil the vice president and president of the club.  Michael explains that hurling is like a combination of lacrosse, baseball, hockey, rugby–by now several club members are suggesting analogies and Salinda, who does not appear to be of Irish descent, whips out a brochure and business card.  

 They are clearly enjoying the attention.  “We get it everywhere we go,” proudly proclaims Erica.  She shouts over at Scott Graves to “show me your ash.”  (She is quick to point out that she said “ash” and not some other word.)  An ash, or Hurley, appears like a flattened, hockey stick that has been amputated.  By now, the entire group has surrounded me, wielding this stick, and I am wondering if I should end this interview quickly. 

George says hurling is elegant, not violent.  The sport itself is older than The Book of Kells and the country of Ireland.  “You’ll see in the movie,” he says. 

The lights dim and I prepare for “The Secret of Kells.” 

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