Glengormley win Cúchulainn Cup
On Wednesday 28th April, Ulster GAA held its second annual Cúchulainn Cup Hurling Tournament in the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, with Glengormley Cúchulainns crowned at 2010 champions after beating Omagh Cúchulainns in the epic final. The Glengormley team was made up of players from three schools: Edmund Rice College, Glengormely High, and St Malachy’s College.
The event is part of Ulster GAA flagship cross community initiative which encourages young people from a variety of backgrounds to come together to participate in Gaelic Games. All of the young people who participated had little or no previous experience playing hurling.
The aim of the project is to give those who come from non-GAA backgrounds the opportunity to play Gaelic Games. The project also promotes good relations between schools, communities and the young people. Now in its second year the Cúchulainn Cup initiative is developing into a key project for Ulster GAA.
Speaking at the event in Cookstown, Ulster GAA Treasurer Michael Hasson stated, “I am very proud to be part of this worthwhile initiative which brings together young people from different backgrounds in a positive and enjoyable way. There is no doubt that all involved enjoyed their day, both participating on the field of play and also through the banter along the sideline. Not only is this about young people in sport, but it’s also about building friendships and breaking down barriers.
“This is the second year of Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Cup initiative. Last year we had four cross community schools teams participating, this year we had eight teams. Also this year, we are running a Cúchulainn Cup Football Tournament, which is founded on the same vision, and is backed by the Unite Against Hate campaign.
“I hope that in the years ahead of us, that this important cross community and cross border initiative continues to grow and develop. I commend all the schools who have participated in this project, the young players and their families. I do not under-estimate the sizeable step some families from non-GAA backgrounds have taken to encourage their children to participate in Gaelic Games, and I hope that their experience has been positive and will encourage them to develop their interest in Gaelic Games.”
