Sacred Heart College pupils enjoy talk from inspirational Iraqi hurler
14 March 2022
Pauline McCrea, Sacred Heart College Newcomer Coordinator, with some school students, presented GAA diversity and inclusion ambassador Abood Al Jumali with a school Gaelic Jersey during his recent visit.JMG2
PUPILS from Sacred Heart College were treated to a talk and coaching session from Iraqi refugee, Abood Aljumail aka Bonnor Ó Loingsigh.
Bonnor relocated to Ireland 13-years ago as a result of the war in Baghdad and settled in Dublin.
It was there, he was introduced to hurling and it changed his life and helped him integrate into the community.
Advertisement
“I couldn’t hit the sliotar, I couldn’t even hold the hurl properly.
“Eventually, I thought this wasn’t for me but for some reason I got attracted to it and went back. I just stuck at it then. I remember getting my own hurl and sliotar and practicing out the back. Just trying to lift the ball. I kept trying and trying and trying.
“Eventually, I lifted it and realised I’d fallen in love with what I believe to be the greatest game on Earth.”
GAA Hurler Abood Al Jumal addresses the upper school at Sacred Heart College, Omagh.JMG1
He has taken up a new role with Dublin GAA to help the organisation spread Gaelic games across minority and religious communities.
Bonnor Ó Loingsigh recounted his tale of involvement in the GAA, how hurling helped him unite with people of different religions and faiths and also give some tips and provide a training session for the young Sacred Heart hurlers.
Hurler Abood Al Jumali has been appointed the Gaa diversity and inclusion ambassador.JMG5
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007
(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)
POWERED BY
Cookie Consent
By clicking “Accept All”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
By 
