Last month, students from Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College and St Columbanus College proudly represented their town at the All-Britain Gaelic Games Competition in London, an event that brought together schools from across England, Scotland, and Wales to celebrate sport and culture.
For many, it was their first experience with Gaelic games. The project aimed to promote cross-community engagement, uniting students from different backgrounds under a shared identity.
The students formed a new team, the Bangor Cúchulainns, and began their journey in February with introductory sessions and joint training across both schools. Their efforts culminated in an April blitz involving 18 schools from eight towns, with equal participation from Controlled, Maintained, and Integrated schools.
Despite limited experience, the students showed remarkable enthusiasm and teamwork which were key reasons for their selection to attend the London event in July. The trip celebrated both their sporting achievements and the new friendships forged through collaboration and shared effort.
The selection of the Bangor schools reflected their commitment to cross-community understanding, a theme that was central throughout the programme. Their involvement was made possible by support from the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, which helped foster meaningful connections across communities.
By representing Bangor with pride, the Bangor Cúchulainns have helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive and united future.
