During the 19th Century, Irish culture was fading away. The Irish language was dying out, traditional sports like Gaelic football and hurling were being replaced by English sports, and national pride was at an all-time low. We will explore how the Gaelic Athletic Association, founded in 1884 and built on the ethos of volunteerism, came to be and how its significance extends beyond the realm of sport. By preserving and promoting traditional Irish games, art, and language in a region that is often complex and multi-faceted, the GAA serves as a bridge, connecting diverse communities, fostering a sense of identity, peace, and understanding.
Day 1
Day One of our Project Week actually started in New Hampton with a lesson on the history of Ireland led by Mr. Saler. We learned that the island of Ireland is split into two countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland (made up of 6 counties) is part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland (made up of 26 counties) is an independent, sovereign nation. The two countries have a long and storied past, but the Gaelic Athletic Association has played a significant role in supporting a settled political environment and fostering a sense of shared Irish identity and community through sport. Afterall, the GAA's motto is "Where we all belong."
Each county in Ireland adopts specific team colors and designs for their GAA uniforms that hold deep cultural and historical significance. They serve as symbols of county pride, unity, and identity, and are worn by players and supporters alike. Inspired by the GAA, we designed jerseys for New Hampton complete with crests and symbols that best represent Husky Nation. Next up was an online tutorial on how to dance the Irish jig, and some videos about the importance of Irish Folk music which helped explain why Irish songs are often sad.
After lunch, we broke into pairs to research famous Irish actors, authors, musicians, scientists, and athletes and their unique contributions to the world. Then it was off to the airport for a red-eye flight to Dublin. Our next update will be from the Emerald Isle!
Day 2
We arrived in Dublin at 8:30am and had a short bus ride to our hotel where we dropped our luggage and grabbed some breakfast before touring the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship. We learned of the harrowing tales of the Irish emigrants who fled the Great Irish Famine and embarked on a treacherous voyage in hopes of a better life in North America. These ships were often nicknamed "Coffin Ships" as several passengers did not survive the journey, however, the Jeanie Johnston made 16 voyages with a total of 2500 passengers... and no one died. Our tour guide explained to us the crucial reasons why.
Afterwards, we headed across the street to EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, where we discovered what it means to be Irish. It expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists, and even outlaws all over the world. We also learned that EPIC stands for Every Person is Connected.
In the afternoon, we listened to some Irish music at the famous Temple Bar, walked around the grounds of Dublin Castle (which was once the headquarters for the British administration in Ireland), and feasted on traditional Irish cuisine at a local pub for an early dinner. We capped off the night with some gelato to celebrate Lulu's 18th birthday!
"I learned many lessons today on the Jeanie Johnston tour. I was surprised to hear how thoughtful and responsible the owner of the ship was. He paid attention to the minute details to ensure that his crew and the people he was transporting to Canada stayed safe during the difficult journey. This attention to small details made a huge impact. That is a great life lesson to carry with us." Ross Curley '26
"The Jeanie Johnston story is a testament to the importance of community, and everyone doing their part. From cleaning, cooking, and watching the children -- to caring for the sick as the ship's only doctor, each person made the difference between life and death on this treacherous journey." Mia Lebrun '25
"The EPIC Museum was very interesting and helpful in my understanding of Ireland and its history. I can now comprehend all the little aspects that connect each person in Ireland or even those who have a small piece of ancestry with Ireland. For myself, I learned why my great great grandfather left the country, and I felt a huge connection with my own past. The museum allowed me to appreciate the culture and depth of my Irish ancestry. I found that a lot of my family traditions stem from the Irish culture and it made me so much more excited to continue the rest of our trip." Kayleigh Michaud-Nolan '25
Day 3
"We started off the day by going to a local GAA club called Na Fianna, where the instructors gave us a brief overview of the sports that make up the GAA and the history behind them. After the introduction, we had the opportunity to play a few of the sports ourselves, which included hurling, handball (Mr. Lebrun took the dub), and Gaelic football. We then enjoyed some lunch at Fagan's pub where a nice old man joined us at our table. We continued on with our day at Croke Park, which is the 4th largest stadium in Europe. While we were there we got an amazing tour of the facilities, locker rooms, and playing field, as well as the GAA Museum which provided some very interesting background information regarding the logistics and history of these cultural sports." Katelyn Barcza '25
"I really do respect Ireland for having their own sports that are run differently than anywhere else. I love the sense of pride that comes with representing your county. You can feel it from the players." Parker Mason '25
Day 4
We had a tour of the GPO Museum this morning. The GPO (General Post Office) is a symbol of the Irish fight for independence and has been witness to over 200 years of Irish history. It is one of the oldest operating post offices in the world! It served as the headquarters of the Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Easter Rising and is the location where Padraig Pearse proclaimed the Irish Republic.
After lunch we visited beautiful Trinity College (the Harvard equivalent of Ireland) where Alden Truesdale '23 is a full-time student. We met up with Mrs. Williams' friend, Zoe Lament, who is a junior at Colby College and is currently studying abroad at Trinity. She told us about her experience and provided some helpful information to those interested in studying overseas.
The highlight of the day for all of us was the Dublin Dance Experience! Irish dancing has been a key part of Irish culture for centuries and we got to experience it firsthand. We sang Irish songs and watched professional dancers perform before trying a few steps of our own. We crushed it!
Day 5
We departed our hotel at 6:30am, well most of us did. Two students, who shall remain unnamed, slept through their alarms. Thanks to Ryan D. and Mr. Lebrun for waking them up and getting them to the bus station just in the nick of time!
We booked a full-day coach bus tour of Northern Ireland. This included a Black Cab Tour of Belfast to learn about the 30-year conflict called "The Troubles" and sign the Peace Wall. It was a very moving experience. On the drive north, we stopped by Dunluce Castle (aka: the house of Greyjoy from Game of Thrones) which was very cool to explore. After that it was back on the bus for a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast to the Giant's Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site was created more than 60 million years ago (Yes, you read that right!). The 40,000 interlocking columns are made from basalt, a type of volcanic rock formed when lava cools and contracts, creating the hexgonal shapes.
It was a beautiful sunny day which made the scenery that much more spectacular! We saw the lush greens of Royal Portrush Golf Club as well as the faint coastline of Scotland in the distance.
"It was inspiring to hear the extents to which many went. Some people starved themselves to prove their point." Katelyn Barcza '25
"My favorite part of the day would definitely have to be when we visited the other side of the wall where everyone was able to take a sharpie and write a meaningful message or their name on the wall, along side thousands of others. This was meaningful to me because I am now a part of that history and will always have a part of me left behind in that country." Ryan Dolecki '25
"The most impactful part of today was seeing the walls in Belfast and hearing the personal stories. It made me realize how deep divisions can be and how important it is to work toward understanding and reconciliation." Hayden Weeks '25
DAY SIX
Today was our last day in Ireland. We shopped for souvenirs and Game Day apparel in the morning before taking a local train to Howth. Howth is an Irish village east of Dublin. We saw the medieval ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, Ireland's Eye which is an island bird sanctuary, and Beann Eadair, a GAA club with sweeping views of the Irish Sea. We also enjoyed browsing the Howth Market, an outdoor weekend market featuring locally made food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Once we got back to the hotel, we had some time to rest, pack, and paint our faces before heading to Croke Park for an early season Gaelic Football game between Dublin and Galway. The atmosphere was electric and we were amazed at the skill level of the players. The game seemed to fly by and Dublin came out on top much to the delight of the home crowd.
"The atmosphere of the game showed just how much the community cares for its team. It reminds me of our community at New Hampton and how much everyone is rooting for us to succeed. I will remember how much the GAA means to the people of Ireland." Adriana Hernandez '25
Credits:
Created with an image by mark_gusev - "Irish National sport goal posts on a green grass training pitch. Concept practice rugby, hurling, camogie, gaelic footfall. Warm sunset light, sun flare"