The Prague Hibernians
One thing about people is that the culture that they grew up in has a great amount of influence on the people that they become. When they move overseas they bring part of that culture with them. This could come in the shape of the knick-knacks they fit into their luggage and display in their flats. It could be the instruments they play, or the songs that they sing. With quite a few of the Irish it is the sports that they bring with them. Often you'll find a Gaelic Athletes Association based group that will play and organise either Gaelic Football games/tournaments, or Hurling. Between 2018 and 2021 I had the provilidge of working with the Prague Hibernians as they hosted games, tournaments, and events to promote their sports and culture.
On select days the Prague Hibernians run what they call GAA Days in order to raise awareness of Irish sport and culture. All are welcome, and learn how to play either Gaelic Football, Hurling, or both. It is a whole family affair, where even children participate in the festivities. Above is the Irish Ambassador to Prague, Cliona Manahan, in 2019.
After a series of short introductory sessions the participants of the 2019 GAA Day partake in a game of Gaelic Football.
After a series of short introductory sessions the participants of the 2019 GAA Day partake in a game of Gaelic Football.
On the GAA Days they also introduce the sport of Hurling to the participants.
Hurling is a physically intense game where the players hit a small ball, the sliotar, with a wooden stick, the hurl, and try to score by hitting the ball over their opponents crossbar, or into the net.
Even children are welcomed to participate on the GAA days. This young man is learning how to pick up the sliotar with the hurl.
One of the fundamental skills a player needs is to balance the sliotar on the hurl while they are running. It's not as easy as this athlete makes it look.
One of the power moves in Hurling is to bat the sliotar up and down the pitch in order to keep the game moving.
The helmets are required kit in order to keep the players safe.
On the continent there are select cities, including Berlin, Rome, and Prague, that host yearly tournaments. Each city will invite the teams from the others to participate and celebrate afterwards. This was one of the invitess to the Prague tournament in 2021.
Not everyone will leave the pitch happy at the end of the game, not even if they are the home team. Like this athlete in 2021.
Defending your zone is an important part of the game.
Getting back up when you've been knocke down is equally important.
Like in every sport the athletes, even amateur ones, remain focussed during the game.
Both Gaelic Football and Hurling are physical games full of body contact...althogh within bounds.
Of course, after the event the team heads to a local Irish Pub, regardless of the city, to celebrate the day. The above three shots are from the tournament in Rome in 2018.