Experience GAA

Our weekend was capped off with a special treat for the students: the opportunity to go and play some traditional Irish sports! Our students were no strangers to sports in Ireland after their experiences over the past few weeks.  We were lucky to see the inner workings of Bohemians Football Club as well as a match at their stadium.  We also had been to see Gaelic football in Croke Park, where County Cill Dara was defeated by County Mhuineacháin.  Living on a college campus also meant that the students have seen some Irish students playing these sports as well as Hurling, one of the other classic games native to Ireland.  After a few weeks of anticipation now was the time to go out show what you got!

Our day with Experience Gaelic Games was divided into 3 sections: Hurling, Handball, and Gaelic Football.  Each section was broken down into a history of the sport, the chance to learn the basics, and finally ending with an all program scrimmage.  Our Navigators were quick learners with each sport and when it came to take the pitch or court they went at it with as much heart as any of the most seasoned players.  A few of them even talked about taking the sports back with them to the U.S.! 

After a few hours of exercise, we thanked our coaches for their time and headed back to campus.  Everyone had worked up a hearty appetite and was looking forward to a shower and to dinner.  And who knows, we may have a future superstar in our midst?