Ireland and its people have a deep interest in competitive gaming, as reflected in the country’s establishment of the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sports, which oversees the development and promotion of sports in Ireland. One of its key initiatives is Sports Ireland, which is responsible for fostering the growth of sports in the country. SEE HERE
With its inclusive approach, this Agency invests thousands a year in various sporting activities, catering to tourists and citizens of all ages and genders. This link provides information on Sports Ireland’s diverse initiatives, inviting everyone to join the sporting community. SEE HERE
From my experience living there for about twelve years, I know everyone enjoys hill climbing, hiking, biking, road races, walking trails, and the national games.
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is not just Ireland’s largest sporting organization but a cultural institution that celebrates and promotes Irish games, music, dance, and language. Its influence extends beyond the field, connecting people to their rich heritage.
The National Sports in Ireland encompass a diverse range of games. The First is Gaelic football, a unique sport that combines elements of football, hurling, and rugby. Hurling, which involves a stick and a ball, is another popular game. Handball and rounders, a game originating in Tudor, England, complete the quartet of national games. SEE HERE.
With the addition of women’s sports, there are now six national games. We now have Comogie—women’s Hurling—and Ladies’ Football.
Thanks to the dedication of local communities, interest in sports begins in childhood and continues throughout life. Even in small villages, significant investment is made in local fields and pitches, fostering a love for sports and promoting community engagement.
I thoroughly enjoy sports viewing. In America, I watch mainly football, soccer, and hockey. I watched hurling and GAA football in Ireland, but my favorites were Rugby and Premier League Soccer {Footie} from England.
In Ireland, we enjoyed weekly exploration trips, including hiking and hill climbing. We would purposely get lost for a few hours and travel around new areas. Another main activity was Antiquing. Ireland is loaded with Antique and Vintage shops, junkshops, thrift shops, and places where people display various items for sale along the roads.
One of our favorite antique and collectible shops is located in Wellington Bridge, Wexford, which Patrick Reville owns and operates. We used to make almost weekly stops at his operations. It was here that I found a few Irish Sports Medals. I now have two of these for sale at my Etsy Shop. See the link on the website.
The first is a silver hurling medal from the 2005. Feile na nGael.
Féile na nGael Irish Gaelic for “Festival of the Gaels”). The Gaelic Athletic Association organizes this annual tournament, which includes hurling, camogie, and handball. It aims to bond communities, forge friendships, provide educational opportunities, and unearth new leaders.
CLCG is Gaelic for the Irish Gaelic Games Athletic Association.
This medal was awarded at the games sponsored by Coke Cola in 2005.
Next is a more dainty sports medal. I need help determining the sporting activity represented in this medal. However, the medal itself is a beauty. It is gold and shiny, with Harp and Gaelic Trinity Knots engraved. It has no markings on the back signifying the recipient or the activity, but it will make a beautiful pendant.
I have posted complete descriptions and measurements on my Etsy shop. SEE HERE
I hope you enjoyed this small trip down memory lane with me. I’ll try to share additional remembrances with you.
