26 April 2012
Cúchulainn Cup improves Community Relations
The fourth annual Ulster GAA Cross Community Cúchulainn Cup has today brought together young men from all sections of the community in Ulster to compete in a Gaelic Game of two halves, one of hurling and one of Gaelic Football.
Eight teams representing towns across Ulster took part in the cross community, cross border tournament. Each team was made up of schools from the maintained and controlled sectors. Belfast Cúchulainn Team were victors on the day!
Ulster GAA President Aogan O Fearghail said, "Ulster GAA is very proud of how far the Cúchulainn Cup inititative has come. We started out four years ago with four teams competing, that has grown year on year and today eight teams representing towns from across Ulster took part. All players are new to playing Gaelic Games, and as part of this initiative, they have received training from Ulster GAA Coaches in both hurling and Gaelic football.
"This inititative aims to introduce those from non GAA backgrounds to Gaelic games, but it also does much more than this. Through the Cúchulainn Cup, young men living in the same towns and villages, but from different backgrounds come together and form lasting friendships. Through sport barriers are broken down and respect for differences is cherished.
"We hope that all those participating today will continue their interesst in Gaelic Games by getting involved in the local club and school teams."
The Cúchulainn Project aims to use sport to build peace and reconciliation between communities across Ulster while also promoting Gaelic Games to those who would normally not have the opportunity to play the Games.
Teams who took part included: Armagh Cúchulainns, Belfast Cúchulainns, Cavan Cúchulainns, Enniskillen Cúchulainns, Roe Valley Cúchulainns, Derry City Cúchulainns, and new to the competition Coleraine Cúchualainns and Monaghan Cúchulainns.
