Luck of the Irish at Canevin

Ever notice those tiny green shamrocks that adorn the back of the basketball jerseys that the Bishop Canevin girls wear? Why are they there? After all, John Francis Regis Canevin was born in what is now known as Latrobe, oceans away from Ireland.
According to head coach Tim Joyce, the credit goes to his assistant, Wim Rogers. About 10 years ago, the pair, along with Joyce’s son-in-law, Terry O’Shea, started putting shamrocks on team apparel in recognition of their heritage.
“We were all of Irish decent,” Joyce said. “So we started getting shamrocks on team T-shirts and sweatsuits.”
During Canevin’s 2013 state-championship run, Rogers passed out small stickers before games and the players put the shamrocks on their shoes. “For luck,” Joyce said. Rogers continued the tradition through last year.
When the school ordered new uniforms for this season, Joyce decided to have shamrocks stitched onto the jersey. “As part of the uniforms,” he said. “It is part of everything we get for the team, uniforms, shooting shirts, sweats, etc,” he said proudly.
– By Eleanor Bailey