Such high endeavor of bravery and thought, has no price no payback it cannot be bought. Heads held high and a step that is light. A people uplifted, new pride, new insight. m Maddock
This is an account of the formation and adventures of a Gaelic football club in the Swansea valley. While we acknowledge and appreciate the experiences and culture brought to South Wales by the Irish diaspora over many generations, it is not a deep dive into the political and social upheavals that forced many from their homes to seek work across the Irish sea. As a school we celebrate the hard work of Irish canal navigators and workers drawn to the Mond nickel refinery in Clydach, without them our school would not have been built and our club might not exist. We will however focus on a more recent chapter in the history of St Joseph's Clydach, a small Primary school community in the heart of the Swansea Valley.
Sowing the seeds.
Our story begins in 2010 at St Joseph's, Primary school, Clydach annual summer fete. That July day in Coed Gwilym Park was a hive of activities with all the fun of the Fayre on display. One corner of the park was particularly busy with people of all ages taking part in a Gaelic football long kick competition, organised by two exiles who had children at the school. Great fun was had by all with prizes galore and an interest sparked in Gaelic football. The seeds were sown. Working with the GAA in Britain, coaching sessions were organised for Year 5 and 6 pupils at the school. The main objective being to encourage all pupils to engage in sport. Being a new sport there was no existing hierarchy of who was best, or had a previous negative sports experience. All were welcome, inclusiveness and fun were our goals.
Parents attended coaching courses, sessions continued and local competitions were organised. Prizes were sponsored by local businessmen, with a special mention to the generosity of Seamus Healy, a native of County Clare. Although there were children with surnames such as Delaney, Daly, Stack, Murphy and Marnell, whose ancestors had come to Wales many years before, this was very much Gaelic games with a South Wales accent. The Year 3 class designed our club crest, reflecting the environment we live in, through using a trisekle representing the elements of air, land and water with a Swansea twist.
History Makers
Our first big competition took place in Cardiff in the shadow of the Millennium Stadium (as it was then) playing and beating teams from Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester. As a result of these performances three of the boys were selected to play in Feile peile na N-Og in Co Roscommon, Ireland. Two of the teachers from the school also attended and stories and photos fired the imaginations of all the pupils of St Joseph's. One day that could be them. In the coming years our representation on the Feile teams would grow until in 2018, 2019 and 2023 our small club from South Wales provided all the players for both boys' and girls' teams. We have travelled through and to nearly every county in Ireland over the years and dined out in nearly every service station. Always a highlight for the players.
All Britain Champions
The All Britain championships every July in Greenford, London also became an annual pilgrimage for the St Joseph's Gaelic footballers. During the first two years playing inclusive boys' and girls' mixed teams, we competed strongly against opposition predominantly from London and the South East. Then in 2017, despite early start and long journey, St Joseph’s Clydach went all the way to become the All Britain school’s champions. The first time the trophy had been taken outside of London. Great cheers and songs accompanied the cup on its long journey back over the Severn Bridge to Wales. A day that will live long in our memory.
The year that preceded that great achievement was hard for all at St Joseph's. Benny Collins, a Limerick native, a great supporter of the Club and mentor for all the children had tragically lost his life in a drowning accident at the start of the summer holidays. In the days that followed the devastating news, it was hard to know how best to support the boys and girls and in particular Benny's son, Harry. A gathering on the field in Coed Gwilym to play a bit of Gaelic was organised for all the boys and girls and their families to come together. Harry and his uncles, over from Ireland, also attended. A game broke out and for an hour or so life seemed normal again. It showed us all the power of sport in times when words are not enough. It bound us together as a family, and when two years later as Harry lifted the All Britain Cup with his great friend Cameron, we knew Benny was still looking after us.
Video of our win in 2017 with our captain, Cameron.
Coedgwilym to Croke Park
2017 would be an historic summer for the boys and girls of St Josephs. We were invited to play in exhibition game in Croke Park, during halftime of the All Ireland quarter finals, and it was to be filmed by Sky Sports TV. I can still see all those excited, nervous faces as we waited in the tunnel. As we emerged following the Welsh and Limerick flags into the light and a wall of sound from the crowd. We walked towards the 'Hill 16' side by side into history, becoming the first Welsh Gaelic football team to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park.
When we returned to the stand to be greeted by proud friends and family, I took five minutes to reflect on what had been achieved by the boys and girls of Swansea since our humble beginnings in Coed Gwilym Parc. I sat by an elderly man from Armagh who assured me it was some of the best football he had seen in years, ‘They played with a smile on their faces and not a blanket defence in sight’. Our values and connection as an extended family had shone through on the biggest stage of all.
The next day we played against my home club in Wexford, Kilmore GAA, remembering the coaches and people that had such a big impact on the development of that club. Money raised by the children was donated to the RNLI at the lifeboat day in Kilmore Quay and a bronze trophy purchased in memory of Benny. This trophy is now presented annually in his memory to the person making the biggest contribution to the club.
Where we all belong.
As the years passed and the children progressed through the age groups many availed of Introduction of Gaelic Games coaching courses and returned to coach the next generation. A project to recreate the GAA manifesto in the Welsh ‘Where we all belong’ was created by the boys and girls of Swansea to celebrate what the game means to them. It brought together people from all parts of Wales and the GAA county of Gloucestershire.
To date over 1500 children have participated in Gaelic games at St Joseph’s. This year we have five schools in Swansea participating in Gaelic games. Each year is a fresh adventure with the opportunity to represent our community on a national and global stage. Last year’s group wrote their own chapter with a rousing rendition of ‘Yma o Hyd’, ‘We are still here’, which is a fitting ending to this particular chapter of our story.
What started as a side show at the school fete has grown and developed into so much more than a sports club. It has helped us all grow together as a family through the good times and the sad. Promoting inclusiveness and the power of working together towards a common goal. With more coaches trained the number of participating schools in Swansea is growing. Being part of the 'Friends of Coed Gwilym' development plans for the park, the future looks bright. The green shoots of Gaelic games continue to flourish.
We have had, and will continue to have great adventures, each group creating their own history, reconnecting with the previous generations. As coaches it has been a privilege to part of each players story, building our ‘cynefin’, our ‘belonging', that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Our stories.
What follows are past and present players and families with their accounts and experiences.
I started helping out with Gaelic Football Club back at my old primary school in September 2023. Ever since, my Tuesday afternoons have been reserved for observing 20-25 ten/eleven-year-olds chasing, kicking, sometimes failing but always trying (and often messing around). In doing so, I have found myself reflecting on my own experience playing Gaelic football at the school, and beyond.
I began playing organised football when I was around seven and still play to this day. Through it, I have had to opportunity to travel to many exotic locations, namely Roscommon, Dublin, Armagh and Maynooth in county Kildare. I have made lifelong friends with numerous teammates, in squads that were often a revolving door of new, open-minded individuals who had been persuaded to have a go by some more familiar faces. I have eaten enough McDonald’s breakfasts to clog a whale’s artery, and in all honesty, I have made memories that will stay with me forever.
Perhaps the most vivid of these memories occurred outside of my playing career, when last summer, I took a team of 14 ten-year-olds to the revamped All Britain Championships, a tournament I had taken part in in four times, and even won in 2017. We lost our first three games, though it didn’t matter in the slightest. Each individual, who I had observed chasing, kicking, trying and growing every week for the past ten months was doing exactly that, with their heads high and their chests puffed, invigorated by the pride of representing something larger than themselves.
We went on to win our final four games, beating one of the largest schools in Birmingham in the process. There was a huge sense of togetherness on the day memorably encapsulated by the teams singing Yma o Hyd on the presentation stand. Recently, I took the first training session in my own secondary school, open to Year 7 and 8 students. I feel privileged to be able to offer an opportunity that has been so integral in my life to new group of young people and look forward to what we will do in the future.
Ailbe Maddock
Gaelic football has profoundly shaped my life, all thanks to St. Joseph’s Primary School. What began as an unfamiliar sport quickly became a shared passion, bringing us together as a team—and a family. Through dedication, hard work and a deep sense of unity, we achieved milestones and once in a life time experiences such as playing in front of thousands of people in Croke Park stadium. Leading our girls’ team to the 2019 Féile semi-finals in Ireland is a memory I’ll forever cherish. As captain, I felt immense pride, representing not only our team but our country. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the devoted support of our coaches, teachers, and parents which I’m forever grateful for.
Ella Stafford
My experience of being involved with St Joseph’s, Swansea Gaelic Football has been truly inspirational. The impact St Joseph’s GAA has had on the young players development (both on and of the pitch) is something that will never be forgotten. The players and families have been introduced to a sport which requires significant skill, and effort. Success cannot be achieved without respect and team work, all areas were addressed by the coaches.
I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to witness the introduction and development of both of my sons over a number of years under the tutelage of knowledgeable, passionate and empathetic coaches. While we have all benefitted from the involvement in the sport, it is the experience of participation in the Feile competitions, initially with the players being provided accommodation and hospitality by the host clubs and ultimately travelling as a club and staying in communal accommodation, that has created friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
We have experienced the culture of Gaelic sport and the unrivalled hospitality of the families of host clubs that will hold fond memories of both the sport and the people of Ireland for ever more. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of the journey.
Ceri Thomas
Through the introduction of Gaelic Football at St Joseph’s primary school I have had the opportunity to play for St Joseph’s, Gloucestershire, Swansea and Newport Pride of Erin. Before attending St Joseph’s, I hadn’t heard of the sport and I am so grateful of the opportunities it has provided. I have travelled to Ireland on several occasions and the life skills that have come from my involvement in the sport are cherished. Gaelic Football at St. Joseph’s has given me transferable skills that I carry on through rugby. I have also had the opportunity to complete a coaching course which has supported me in my degree at Swansea University. It’s always an honour to be part of the team and I look forward to wearing the St Joseph’s badge with pride for many years to come.
Finn Thomas
Both my sons have been lucky enough to participate in Gaelic football under the inspirational coaching of St Joseph's. It is an inclusive club that welcomes all, Finn and Isaac have travelled with the team to Feile, and as a family we have been welcomed so much that we (as parents and grandparents) have travelled to Ireland to support the team. Our trips to Ireland will always hold a special place in our hearts and as our sons transition from boys to men the St Joseph’s Gaelic football connection lives on. It has enriched our lives as a family for which we are forever grateful.
Jo Thomas
I was lucky to be part of the St. Joseph’s Gaelic football team. I started playing at the age of six. I had amazing opportunities, I travelled to Ireland many times over the years with my team. Not only did I get to refine my Gaelic football skills but I was also able to build strong relationships with my teammates. This helped me become more confident in myself and in training. The best memories I have is when me and the team would travel to Ireland. The journey there was always enjoyable, we were all so excited to go to Ireland. We would joke around, talk and really connect with each other which is crucial for a strong team. I won’t forget these memories and will always be thankful the coaches for giving me the opportunity to be a part of St. Josephs Gaelic football team.
Brianna Delegado
Playing Gaelic football was such a good experience, because of this I have been lucky enough to travel across the uk and also visiting Ireland, Bristol, London and many different places to play a sport I really enjoy. I have got so many good memories like winning the All Britain cup down in London, and playing in front of 80,000 people in Croke Park, Dublin. None of this would of happened if it wasn’t the coaches introducing it to us back in primary. This is a sport that has provided memories I will never forget and I only wish we can play it more often. So, thank you St Joseph’s.
JJ Delegado
Being apart of St Joseph’s Gaelic football team was truly an experience I will never forget. It started as an after school club. I never thought it would lead me to travel across the UK going to London, Bristol, Ireland and getting to play in Croke park in front of 80,000 people. It has made me become much closer to my friends as we experienced all of this together. Playing Gaelic football not only helped me with my physical health but also mentally as it made me feel proud at accomplishing such great things with the people I have come to know as more than teammates, but good friends. I will be very great full to St Joseph’s for introducing me to Gaelic football.
Cole Delegado
Being a part of St Joseph's Primary School Gaelic Football team has been a massive part of our childhood. It was a privilege to play with such an incredible group of people who were passionate about the sport. Our coaches were determined to help us hone our skills and create such an amazing team. We were given opportunities to travel to Ireland yearly and play in the Féile competition where we met some amazing people, created incredible memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. Even after we left the team and stopped playing the sport directly, we were still given the opportunity to learn about the GAA and complete courses to coach children who are just beginning their journey in the sport. Being part of the St Joseph's Gaelic Football team has been an incredible opportunity, and we will forever be grateful.
Emily & Ellys Delegado
All my children had the privilege of attending St Josephs Primary School. During this time, five of my children had the opportunity to be introduced to Gaelic football, a sport which was very new to us, as a family, at this time. The children were thrilled to be a part of a growing team, developing many skills, not only with the sport itself, but also with their social skills, confidence. They were given incredible opportunities to travel as a team, playing across the country and in Ireland. During their visits to Ireland, they stayed with host families who were so kind and generous, allowing all teams to mingle and support one another. The coaches have shown such amazing dedication to all the young people, giving support and teaching them new skills. They often talk of their memories with great affection, recalling all their victories. I will always be grateful to St Joseph’s GAA for showing such kindness.
Catherine Delegado
Gaelic football holds a special place in my heart as one of the first sports I truly fell in love with. The sense of community within the club made it even more meaningful to me. The bond we shared as a team, the support from fellow players, and the camaraderie created a family-like atmosphere. What truly stands out, however, is the incredible guidance and mentorship from our coaches. Not only did they teach me the skills to excel in Gaelic football, but they also imparted valuable life lessons that have shaped who I am today. Their unwavering support and dedication have made the sport and the club unforgettable parts of my life.
Harry Collins
It has been a privilege to be asked to give a testimonial regarding St Joseph’s involvement in Gaelic football. My memories go right back to the start of this journey when my husband met Paraic and Des, all three were from Republic of Ireland and my husband was asked if he wanted to help out. Being a keen Gaelic footballer himself he jumped at the chance and got our son involved in the game. St Joseph's was the first Welsh school to get to the British championships in London and later go on to win the tournament. The St Joseph's team then went on to play in Croke park and this was a dream come true for all players. Unfortunately, my husband died and did not see them play at Croke park but I know he would have been very proud.
On a personal level Gaelic football has played a key part in my sons life and kept him focused through the most difficult of times. I will always be grateful for the support Harry received from his teammates and coaches. I remain very proud of St Joseph’s school. They would be worthy winners of any award as they have successfully managed to create and maintain a Gaelic football family for over 15 years due to hard work and dedication of the school and coaches. This has enabled a different opportunity of sport and life so many changing opportunities for the children of Clydach and wider community.
Mel Collins
Watching my eldest nephew, Harry — a boy raised in the rolling hills of Wales — lace up his boots to play football with Athea GAA, his father’s childhood team in rural Ireland, was a moment steeped in meaning. Here, on the same pitch where his dad once sprinted as a boy, Harry’s laughter echoed across generations, weaving new memories into the club’s storied turf. It wasn’t just a game; it was a homecoming, a quiet celebration of roots stretching across the Irish Sea.
St Joseph’s GAA Club in Swansea was far more than a training ground for Harry. It became a second home, where muddy afternoons forged lifelong friendships with peers from Welsh towns and Irish expat families alike, an extended family and a cultural bridge, connecting Harry and his teammates to their Celtic cousins in Ireland — and to a global network of GAA enthusiasts.
As an expat living in Asia, I’ve witnessed first-hand how the GAA transcends borders. From Seoul to Singapore, young players — many far from home — find kinship through the thud of a sliotar or the thrill of a last-minute goal. For Harry and countless others St Joseph’s club is more than sport it’s a language of connection and togetherness, a celebration of our shared Celtic heritage.
John Collins
The introduction of Gaelic Football to St Joseph’s school has had a transformative effect upon the school, its pupils and parents. The feeling of community, belonging created by involvement with this fantastic sport is immeasurable. The pupils have not only been exposed to a sport they would not have had access to but have also been encouraged to get involved whatever their abilities. The opportunities presented to them have included competing in competitions at a national and local level and have even included trips to Ireland, one trip incorporating a visit to Croke Park where they took part in a half time exhibition game in front of a stadium full of supporters. In addition, and most importantly, the opportunity to participate within school time and during after school clubs and Gaelic football camps, held in the school holidays. This has helped increase their fitness and improve their mental wellbeing. As a parent I feel a genuine sense of pride and privilege that my child was given this opportunity, and grateful of the experience it had afforded me as a parent and volunteer. The school and the individuals who have made this possible should be incredibly proud of the opportunities they have given the pupils and their families.
Rob Beale
Gaelic Football has become very much an integral part of the physical and emotional development of children here at St Joseph’s Primary, Clydach. It has become synonymous with our sports curriculum and it has formed a fantastic bond with the community as a whole.
As a teacher who has worked in this school for over 20 years I have been lucky to witness the introduction of Gaelic football, which was born out of the knowledge, enthusiasm and passion that Paraic brought with him and passed on seamlessly to the children and staff.
The opportunities that Gaelic Football has granted to the children has been endless. It has become a staple in terms of blended learning with the Physical Educational curriculum. Skills are transferable and can be used in a variety of real life contexts. It has provided the children a chance to try a new sport and to be confident in building the necessary skills. Catching, kicking, passing and free flowing movement captivates their interest and of course the team work and competitive elements serve the children well in all aspect of their development.
There have been regular games lessons, in-school tournaments, local school matches, tournaments and festivals with cluster schools, after school clubs, Tournaments in London, Feiles in Ireland (a personal favourite!) opportunities for teachers and past players to gain coaching qualifications/certifications -- which have been held on a weekend course set up at the school., coaching courses set up for children in the community -- which take place during school holidays at the school and finally, we have seen past pupils come back to our school to assist with coaching the school children in games lessons and after school clubs.
What is so refreshing is that children have gone from our primary school to their comprehensive schools and have taken their enthusiasm for the game with them. This has resulted in comprehensive schools incorporating the skills and continuing to offer opportunities for the children to develop.
One of the best memories I hold is when we took a team to a tournament in London, England and we won! Leaving very early from Swansea to make the long journey by bus, knowing that we had a togetherness that was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Then, the immensely satisfying feeling of seeing the children harness the skills they had developed at school throughout the year and then to put them into action, working as a team to go on and be successful in an event which was laden with schools that had esteemed Gaelic Football reputations! As if winning the tournament wasn’t a fantastic enough achievement, we then proceeded to take to the presentation event and blast out our national anthem and the now famous ‘Yma o hyd’ -- we had done it! We had left our stamp on a British event and it was down to the incredible Gaelic togetherness that has become part of us all!
Jon Reed
As a Gael living in the Swansea area both I and my children have had the opportunity to part of a GAA family through the club. I was able to achieve my Foundation coaching award and went on to introduce Gaelic football to the pupils at my multicultural, city centre Swansea school. My three children were welcomed and encouraged into the club. My two teenaged sons went from zero experience to confident players, with fifteen-year-old Cian progressing to also qualify for his Foundation coaching award. Oisín and Cian were given the opportunity to represent the club and their country at a number of levels including at the Feile Na Nog in Mullaghbawn (2023). Family members from across the world (Australia included) came to this wonderful Armagh based festival. We are so grateful to St Joseph’s and all who give their time to the club, to develop the next generation of Swansea Gaels.
Siobhan Fitchett
As a Welsh man who is the son of a Gael living in the Swansea area, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a GAA team through the club, which was very welcoming. Through this, I was able to achieve my Introduction to Gaelic Games coaching award and with this went to my Mum's school to help with coaching to introduce the sport to them. I started with little to no experience or knowledge of the sport. I was able to represent the club and our country in multiple events across the UK and Ireland. This includes the Feile Na Nog in Mullaghbawn in 2023. Both my brother and I were able to have the support of our family while in Armagh with family coming from as far as Australia. With this trip to Ireland, we were able to go to Croke Park to watch an All-Ireland semi-final, which was an amazing experience. With these skills, I was able to pick Gaelic Football as one of my sports for PE. This also meant I had to use my coaching skills to teach other students in my school how to play the sport as it was new to them.
I am so thankful for what St Joseph’s and all who supported the club have done to bring up and develop the next generation of players.
Cian Fitchett
As a young person who is half Irish living in South Wales, I found the opportunity to play Gaelic football a bit surprising. Nevertheless, I thought that representing my country in the sport was a wonderful thing. It's a sport I never thought I would get to play, however, Paraic made it possible. He also arranged a trip to play in the Feile Na Nog in Mullaghbawn. The trip was a good way to connect to other teams of the sport, as there aren't any others in South Wales. The trip also took us to Croke Park to watch the All-Ireland semi-finals, which again was an amazing experience. I am very grateful, as someone with Irish heritage, that I was able to partake in the playing of this sport and for that I thank everyone involved with the club.
Oisín Fitchett
My son started playing Gaelic Football in Year 3 . He loved the fast pace and freedom of the game. It was very inclusive so all his friends from class played, both boys and girls. I remember him telling me in one of his first ABC tournaments that a player from another team said the they were going to be rubbish because they had so many girls on their team. Ailbe was shocked by this because as he said the girls were some of their best players. It was always important that the children knew that if they came to training and worked hard there would be a place for them on the team.
Ailbe's first trip without me was to the Feile. He was so excited to be going. He stayed with a family in Ireland, with two of his team mates and he had the best time. He was so well looked after and he made so many friends. The host club went out of their way to create an amazing experience for the visiting team. I think I heard from him once the whole time he was away, a true testament to the fantastic time he was having. Ailbe is now seventeen, so has been playing with St Joseph's for ten years. He has made amazing friendships and he has so many memories of epic games.
He has gone on to do his coaching badges and has set up a team for Year 7 and 8 pupils in Bishop Vaughan School who he coaches every week as part of their PE provision. He also helps run the after school club every week in St Joseph's Catholic Primary. What I feel as a parent that Ailbe has got from his involvement in Gaelic football is an understanding of community and the need for young people to contribute. He gets as much from coaching and seeing the enjoyment of younger pupils' development as he does from playing.
Diane Trenoweth
Tá bród I mo chroí nuair a smaoiním at an lá a bhí mé agus m’fhear chéile -- Sean -- mháthair agus Sean-athair - ag féachaint ar ár gharmhac Ailbe ag imirt peile I bPáirc an Chrócaigh. Ní amháin sin ach d’eirigh leis cúilín a fháil !
It is with pride I remember the day in August 2017 we (Grandparents) watched our grandson Ailbe score a point in Croke Park while playing an exhibition game with St. Joseph’s during half time on All-Ireland Semi-final Day.
I have to declare here I was born in Galway- Maroon and White Country - so this day brought to mind other great occasions on this Hallowed Ground - Ailbe’s cousin Frank Stockwell still holds the record score for an All-Ireland Final 1956 ; his Grand-uncle won an All-Ireland Minor Final in 1976.
These special occasions have their roots in the groundwork done by schools and clubs who work tirelessly and voluntarily coaching the skills of Peil Gaelach - Gaelic Football. These skills have far-reaching benefits in the physical and mental development of the young person. I applaud these great people who appreciate the amazing opportunities for young people. The Heritage and History of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael (GAA) is worth preserving and passing on to our diaspora and their classmates. It benefits all and helps young people to appreciate the Heritage and history of other nations.
Go n-éirí leo agus ní neart go cur le chéile - Good luck to all and there’s no strength like unity.
Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí - praise the young and they will flourish.
- A proud and grateful Granny -
Ina Maddock.
Our current Gaelic footballers
I really enjoy Gaelic football it makes me feel happy, every Tuesday after school I feel excited that I have something fun to look forward to. One of the joys of playing Gaelic football is playing a sport that not many people know about. I have taken part in a lot of tournaments for the school team but my favourite by far was definitely London. The facilities were out of this world, I had never seen facilities this amazing. It was especially fun because it was the first time I had been away from my parents this long with the school. Although last year I played for the B team it still felt like I was playing in the world cup final.
Every week Ailbe teaches us new skills to learn and get better at. It is lovely to see every week how everyone is progressing, and the new skills he teaches us really impact how we play the game.
Morgan, Year 6
Hi, my name is Estelle and I do Gaelic football in my school. The best experience I have probably had in Gaelic football was going to London for the tournament, it was amazing to get the opportunity to go with Saint David's and my friends. It was an unforgettable experience with my school. I am also keen to do it again. I think that the tournament really brought our class closer together, as friends and as a community.
I really like going to Gaelic football because it is fun and it is teaching me new skills that will help me in my other sports and helping me keep fit and active. Team sports like Gaelic football are so important in school for fitness and friendship building The best part for me about going to Gaelic football, is probably interacting with my friends and learning new skills. When I go to Gaelic football I feel like I belong there and that I am actually having fun and enjoying myself. I think that Gaelic football has helped me to become more confident in myself and pushing myself to the limits that I didn't think were possible. I am also so grateful for my teachers Mr Maddock and Ailbe for helping me to become better at it and to enjoy it even more.
Estelle, Year 6
I started Gaelic football in Year 4 and I am now in Year 6. Throughout my Gaelic football experiences I have learnt new skills and a different perspectives through sport. Gaelic football is my favourite sport and hope to continue it in comprehensive school. I soon hope to become a Gaelic football coach and teach more children and adults about the sport. My dream is to go to the London tournaments and I am very fortunate to have a school that does Gaelic football and wonderful coaches to teach it to us. The game is easy to play and is very enjoyable to have a game with your mates. We invite other schools from around the area to play us in a match.
I love Gaelic football!
Imogen, Year 6
I started Gaelic foot ball in Year 4 so I have now had three years of it. I love Gaelic football and I love the fact every one can join in. When I started I had no idea what was going on so I had to learn. It was so much fun to learn and I felt like I really improved at it after some time. When the other schools came down it was great because it was a good test of my skills. I got better at hand passing and kicking the ball and now in Year 6 I feel like I am one of the better players and that makes me happy. When I was in Year 5 I started to score some points, now in Year 6 I am helping others develop their skills. I have a sister and we do not like being on the same team, so it is good to split up and be against each other. I think Gaelic is a great sport and I will be playing it in the future.
Sophia, Year 6
I have enjoyed my experiences in Gaelic football for the last two years, but the best thing I have enjoyed was going to London. We had lot of fun in London playing around six games and it was a very good experience and practice for this year's trip. My favourite position to play in Gaelic football is in midfield because it about winning the ball and passing it to the strikers, I like Gaelic football because I feel it is a mix between basketball, football and rugby.
Isaac F, Year 6
Thank you to St Joseph's Primary School, all the coaches, players (past and present) parents, grandparents, supporters, sponsors for you support over the last 15 years. The above has only been possible because of your commitment and dedication.
Dioch yn fawr iawn! Go raibh mile maith agaibh.