The rise of International Gaelic Games in DCU
As the academic year at Dublin City University comes to an end, International students are returning home with more than just academic achievements. Many are leaving with new sports skills, cultural experiences and lasting friendships thanks to the growing popularity of Gaelic Games on campus. International students in DCU from across the globe get an opportunity to immerse themselves in Irish culture, get regular physical exercise and connection through Gaelic games.
International GAA in DCU isn't just about sport, it's about bringing together people from different backgrounds. The programme began with introductory taster sessions during student induction, followed by weekly GAA training sessions every Monday. Participation grew steadily throughout the first semester supported by DCU Sport who provided access to the Astro pitches and on occasion the indoor hall.
In October the DCU Student group attended the GAA International Student welcome day in Abbotstown organised by Croke Park. The event brought together International and Erasmus students from universities across Ireland, offering a chance to build connections through sport. A video of the International Student Welcome Day
In November a group of DCU players travelled to Belfast to face Queens University in a friendly match in the excellent facilities in the DUB in Belfast. For many students, the trip marked their first visit to Northern Ireland and provided a memorable experience both on and off the pitch including the novelty of some snow falling for some players. The group had the opportunity to support the DCU Ladies Moynihan team afterwards and got to experience the atmosphere of competitive university sport. Thanks to Gavan, Meg and all in Queens for the welcome and there are some unique Highlights captured here with a go pro fitted onto the referee during the match.
The semester concluded with a visit to Croke park in December, made possible through the support of Una Redmond and DCU Clubs and Societies. The trip was a real highlight for the students before many returned home for Christmas. Watch a brief clip of the trip.
Semester 2 saw continued momentum, with returning students joined by a new intake. Weekly sessions resumed and interest was high with many students attending a range of matches as DCU hosted all 3 major competitions in the Sports grounds.
The impact of the programme extends beyond the university. Some students have gone on to join local clubs including Ryoma Matsuda from Tokyo in Japan and joining St Vincents GAA. Others have connected with Na Gaeil Nua (New Gaels GAA) a migrant inclusive Gaelic Games Club in Dublin. We are very grateful for Emilio Piccione from Taranto in Italy and Marinella Oropeza from Venezuela founders of Na Gaeil Nua, attending and joining in our sessions on campus and many of our students in return joining them for more training sessions and activities. This collaboration shows the role Gaelic Games can play in helping international students feel part of Irish life.
International students also played a role in major events on campus. During the hosting of the Ladies HEC competitions, DCU’s International students took part in an exhibition match at half time of the International Cup Final with DCU hosting the British Champions Coventry. This gave the students an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a large crowd present. See poster below with the broad countries and regions represented. It was a lovely touch that Performa sports streamed this match live so their families and friends could follow the action across different time zones.
The season concluded with a fixture on Easter Saturday, where DCU faced Na Gaeil Nua in Fairview Park. The event attracted support from visiting family members of International students. Thanks again to Marinella and Emilio for hosting our group and for extending the welcome to our DCU students. We look forward to building on this programme and we look forward to hearing the students stories of joining GAA clubs across the globe. As the GAA motto states ‘GAA for all’.
