President hosts Cúchulainns

President Mary McAleese has hosted a cross community Gaelic Football team from Enniskillen to mark their participation earlier this year at the Continental Youth Championships in New York.

The 20-strong panel of players from four Enniskillen schools – Portora Royal, Erne Integrated, St Michael’s College and St Joseph’s College – were commended for taking part in Ulster GAA’s flagship outreach programme ‘The Cúchulainn Cup’.

The team travelled to Aras an Uachtarain with their teachers, Principals, Chairperson of Board of Governors and representatives of Ulster GAA.

Speaking after the special event Uachtarán Chomhairle Uladh (Ulster GAA President) Aogán Ó Fearghail stated, “It is a remarkable honour for the President of Ireland to honour a team of young men like this.  The players and their schools are proud ambassadors of Enniskillen representing all sections of the community.  They have looked pass prejudices and showed leadership by playing together as a team and bonding together as friends.

“Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Initiative is an important community outreach programme which uses Gaelic Games to break down barriers and promotes good relations.  We are also delighted that so many of the boys have now joined local GAA clubs in Enniskillen to develop their interest and skills in Gaelic Games.  They boys and their families are very welcome additions to our clubs and I hope they enjoy being part of this great Association.

“I thank President McAleese for welcoming the team to her residence in Pheonix Park.  She has always been a strong supporter of this programme and we appreciate her support and interest.”

Enniskilen Cúchulainns won Ulster GAA Cúchulainn Football Cup in April, they then competed at the Continental Youth Championships in New York where they were narrowly defeated.  Their last game is currently being organised as an exhibition match in Enniskillen to help introduce the boys’ parents and families to the Gaelic Athletic Association.  Ulster GAA is currently planning ahead for 2011 Cúchulainn Initiative.