Ulster GAA Cúchulainn Initiative concludes with visit to Croke Park

Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Initiative for 2021/22 concluded on Monday when the young people from Lisburn and Limavady Cúchulainns visited Croke Park in Dublin. 

Over the course of the last ten months both groups have grown together with new friendships being developed and experiences shared through the variety of activities facilitated by Ulster GAA.

The final element of the programme has seen each of the group complete the Level 1 Sports Leaders Qualification and they received their awards whilst in Croke Park from GAA President, Larry McCarthy and Ulster GAA President, Ciaran McLaughlin.

Speaking at the event, Ciaran McLaughlin commented:

“Stated aims included in Ulster GAA’s strategic plan are Inclusion and Equality.  The Cúchulainn Initiative highlights the opportunities the GAA provide to play our games and how sport can be successful in helping create a shared future into the 21st century.

“It is fantastic to hear some of the stories here today from a number of the participants who have progressed through to join their local club as result of their participation in this project.

“The programme’s success wouldn’t have been achieved without the schools and teachers having the foresight to open the door to give their students the opportunity to play our games and more importantly to interact with their peers from other schools in their area. Their leadership was crucial in the successful outcomes achieved by these young people.

“This programme truly does make a difference and we are very grateful to the Executive Office for their ongoing support to allow us to deliver this key programme.”

The Limavady Cúchulainns for 21/22 were girls from Limavady Grammar School, Limavady High School and St Mary’s Limavady.

The Lisburn Cúchulainns for 21/22 were boys from St Patrick’s Academy and Fort Hill Integrated College.

The Cúchulainn Initiative is funded through the Executive Office Central Good Relations Programme.