The community in which I grow up in is heavily sewn together by the GAA. I have to be quite honest in saying that most people in my village don't know who I am and that is mainly due to the fact that I never innvolved myself in any GAA activities. To add if anybody does know of my existence its because of my brother's 'trumendous' sporting achievements. I had the idea that a lot of my fellow parishioners only thought and discussed county finals, The Sunday Game and maybe the weather. I casted a crtical eye over this not understanding their interest. Now though I realise how sport in a community really binds people together.
I suppose this realization dawned on me after watching the olympics over the summer. It was simply magnificant and breathtaking to see so many countries come together and unite for two weeks. That any war/battle ever fought, any shred of racism or discrimination ever shared was put to one side and that the world came together and respected each team represented. The people of the world came together, as one big community to celebrate this special event.
The olympics I suppose is a reflection of my community. The GAA in my village is about bringing people together, sharing talents, having fun and showing support for one another. I now see why people in my parish have such a passion for sport and the GAA , for it brings about the good and a warm spirit in everyone.
So maybe I'll give my football boots a polish and feed off some of!
S.A.M