Success for Ballymena and Lurgan at Ulster GAA Cúchulainn Initiative Blitz
Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Initiative Blitz took place recently at the Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, with schools and colleges from all across the province participating.
The Cúchulainn Initiative aims to afford young people from different backgrounds the opportunity to engage with one another, and to provide opportunities to young people not traditionally involved with the GAA to learn more about the Association.
Taking part in the boys’ competition were Ballymena, Cavehill, Downpatrick and Strabane. In the girls’ competition, Belfast, Coleraine, Lurgan and Strabane all returned once again for the 2024 programme.
After a very enjoyable day of games the Lurgan Cúchulainns team emerged as winners of the Girls Cúchulainn Cup for the second year running, while the Ballymena Cúchulainns were successful in the Boys Cúchulainn Cup for the first time.
Ulster GAA President Ciaran McLaughlin acknowledged the schools and teachers for their enthusiasm in getting involved with the programme, commenting:
“In preparation for the Blitz, Ulster GAA provided ‘GAA Taster Sessions’ throughout February and March in 20 schools, with over 500 boys and girls from Year 10 and 11 sampling Gaelic games. I want to thank these schools for providing the opportunity to the children to participate, and to the Ulster GAA staff for their commitment to the programme.
“’Getting to Know the GAA’ presentations were delivered to all participating schools to help promote greater understanding of other cultures and highlight how sport can be successful in helping create a shared future – a key aim of the Cúchulainn Initiative.
“To conclude, I want to congratulate Ballymena and Lurgan Cúchulainns on their blitz success this week, and I thank the Executive Office Central Good Relations Programme for the funding to provide these opportunities to the children.”
Participating Schools
Girls Competition
- Belfast: Lagan College, St Joseph’s College, Wellington College
- Coleraine: North Coast Integrated College, Loreto College, Coleraine Grammar
- Lurgan: Brownlow Integrated College, St Ronan’s College, Lurgan Junior High School
- Strabane: Strabane Academy, Holy Cross College
Boys Competition
- Ballymena: Slemish Integrated College, St Patrick’s College, Dunclug College
- Cavehill: Hazelwood Integrated College, Mercy College
- Downpatrick: Blackwater Integrated College, De La Salle High School
- Strabane: Strabane Academy, Holy Cross College
For more information on the Cuchulainn Initiative please contact fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie
