Learning and Trying Gaelic Games
Day 2
On day 2 of our study abroad trip, we had multiple guest speakers visit and speak to us about the Ryder Cup coming to Limerick in 2027 and Gaelic sports. Our first session of the day focused on our itinerary for the duration of our stay. We learned that we'll be traveling to Galway, Dublin, and Doolin over the next two weeks.
After this session, we had Elaine O’Connor, the Ryder Cup 2027 Coordinator for Limerick City Council, come speak to us about the logistics of the event. This is such a massive event, as they will bring tons of high-status people in attendance as well. There is one major challenge in organizing and setting this event up, she explained. It deals with setting up living accommodations and traveling plans for players, families, and high-status individuals. To help with this, O’Connor said she has gone to other prestigious golfing events locally to help understand what needs to be done and what needs to improve to make this the best Ryder Cup and leave an impression on the rest of the world. But on the other side of this sports tourism event, O’Connor did say the city of Limerick will make roughly a two-million-dollar profit off this event. Also, this one-day event will create many jobs for the people of Limerick over the next year. It was fascinating to chat with her, as many other students had insightful questions to ask as well.
After that, we had a hurling demonstration on the pitch at Mary Immaculate College. But first, we learned that in Ireland, hurling is more than a sport; it is a symbol of Irish identity, often symbolizing their fight for independence. Gaelic sports like hurling are how the Irish demonstrate their identity. On the pitch, we first learned how to hold the hurley, then we learned how to hit the ball off the ground. Everyone did a pretty good job, and the instructor had us pick the ball up with the hurley and hit it mid-air.
After this, we had a quick lunch and headed back to the classroom for the last two lectures of the day, one by Dr Richard Bowles, Department of Arts Education & Physical Education at Mary I on elite sport scholarship in Ireland, followed by an overview of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), including its history and social importance, by one of our Mary I hosts from the International Office, James Madigan.
Tonight we have a group dinner at the Locke Bar downtown, which will have live music and Irish dancing. We're hoping it will be a lot of fun!
Some of my favorite quotes from the day:
"The best part of my day was clashing with Mark during the hurling demonstration." - Jason
"Did you know you can head it into the goal in hurling?" - Mr. McKillop
Tomorrow, we're headed to Thomond Park Stadium, a celebrated rugby stadium in Limerick, home of the Munster Rugby team, where we'll be getting a tour of their facilities. Then we head to Bunratty castle for a medieval banquet!
Thank you for continuing to follow us on our journey.
Author: Mark Burlingame - Daily Student Leader (Day 2)
After this session, we had Elaine O’Connor, the Ryder Cup 2027 Coordinator for Limerick City Council, come speak to us about the logistics of the event. This is such a massive event, as they will bring tons of high-status people in attendance as well. There is one major challenge in organizing and setting this event up, she explained. It deals with setting up living accommodations and traveling plans for players, families, and high-status individuals. To help with this, O’Connor said she has gone to other prestigious golfing events locally to help understand what needs to be done and what needs to improve to make this the best Ryder Cup and leave an impression on the rest of the world. But on the other side of this sports tourism event, O’Connor did say the city of Limerick will make roughly a two-million-dollar profit off this event. Also, this one-day event will create many jobs for the people of Limerick over the next year. It was fascinating to chat with her, as many other students had insightful questions to ask as well.
After that, we had a hurling demonstration on the pitch at Mary Immaculate College. But first, we learned that in Ireland, hurling is more than a sport; it is a symbol of Irish identity, often symbolizing their fight for independence. Gaelic sports like hurling are how the Irish demonstrate their identity. On the pitch, we first learned how to hold the hurley, then we learned how to hit the ball off the ground. Everyone did a pretty good job, and the instructor had us pick the ball up with the hurley and hit it mid-air.
After this, we had a quick lunch and headed back to the classroom for the last two lectures of the day, one by Dr Richard Bowles, Department of Arts Education & Physical Education at Mary I on elite sport scholarship in Ireland, followed by an overview of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), including its history and social importance, by one of our Mary I hosts from the International Office, James Madigan.
Tonight we have a group dinner at the Locke Bar downtown, which will have live music and Irish dancing. We're hoping it will be a lot of fun!
Some of my favorite quotes from the day:
"The best part of my day was clashing with Mark during the hurling demonstration." - Jason
"Did you know you can head it into the goal in hurling?" - Mr. McKillop
Tomorrow, we're headed to Thomond Park Stadium, a celebrated rugby stadium in Limerick, home of the Munster Rugby team, where we'll be getting a tour of their facilities. Then we head to Bunratty castle for a medieval banquet!
Thank you for continuing to follow us on our journey.
Author: Mark Burlingame - Daily Student Leader (Day 2)
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