Enniskillen Cúchulainns NY Bound

A cross-community Gaelic football team from Enniskillen who are preparing for a trip Long Island in New York to compete in the U16 Continental Youth Championships later this month, was today honoured at Croke Park by GAA Director General Páraic Duffy and Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.

The panel of 20 is made up of players from four schools in Enniskillen – Erne Integrated, St Joseph’s, St Michael’s and Royal Portora. The team was formed earlier this year as part of Ulster GAA’s Outreach project, The Cúchulainn Cup – which brings together young men from different backgrounds to participate in Gaelic Games.

All the boys had little or no experience playing Gaelic Football before getting involved with the team. Since then they have made massive strides after receiving months of expert coaching from Ulster GAA’s finest coaches.

The Enniskillen Cúchulainn side are now ready to compete with Gaelic teams from across the globe in the Continental Youth Championships. Speaking ahead of the American Trip, Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The Cúchulainn Initiative is Ulster GAA’s flagship outreach project which aims to promote Gaelic Games to those from non-GAA backgrounds while at the same time helping to break down barriers and promote good relations among young people.

“We are very proud of this programme and are pleased that it is being so well received by schools in both the controlled and maintained sectors. I take this opportunity to commend all those who participated in this year’s Cúchulainn Initiative – we never underestimate the major step it has been for many of these boys, their families and their schools to get involved in this project. Each of them has played their part to show that sport can really break down barriers.

“I have no doubt that these boys are about to embark on a trip of a lifetime, where they will experience the joys of playing Gaelic Games in the Long Island sun, see the bright lights and sights of New York City and most importantly where they will hopefully make lifelong friendships with their teammates.”

GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy wished the competing Enniskillen team every success in their upcoming campaign and lauded the work of the Ulster Council with this initiative.

He said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see how these players have taken to Gaelic football and the plans and hopes they now harbour ahead of the CYC Games in New York.

“It should be an experience to savour and one that has the potential to help forge friendships and bonds that will last for many years to come.

“Credit is due to the Ulster Council for their steadfast commitment to this project and the other work that they are engaged in this area and I laud their coaches and officers as well as the players and their families who have
embraced the importance of the concept right from the beginning. I hope this commitment is reflected on the field of play in Long Island.”