Northern Ireland

Two Armagh schools join project to teach Gaelic games to young Ukrainian refugees

Children taking part in a new project to teach Gaelic games to young Ukrainian refugees. Picture by Brendan Moran, Sportsfile
Children taking part in a new project to teach Gaelic games to young Ukrainian refugees. Picture by Brendan Moran, Sportsfile Children taking part in a new project to teach Gaelic games to young Ukrainian refugees. Picture by Brendan Moran, Sportsfile

TWO primary schools in Armagh are taking part in an all-Ireland project to teach young Ukrainian refugees how to play Gaelic games.

St Brigid's primary school in Drumilly and St Patrick's primary school in Cullyhanna are among 26 schools across Ireland who have joined the project organised by insurance company Allianz and Cumann na mBunscol.

St Aengus' National School in Bridgend, Co Donegal, is also among those taking part.

Schools have been provided with equipment including 500 footballs, 200 hurleys and 200 sliothars to help young refugees take part in the national games.

The equipment was delivered last week.

Joe Lyons, chairman of Cumann na mBunscol, said schools from Armagh to Wexford are taking part.

"By joining these local GAA activities, we hope the Ukrainian children feel welcome in our communities and learn the skills they need to enjoy our national games," he said.

"Ukrainian children have featured in Cumann na mBunscol activities already this school term, thus making new friends and integrating more easily in their new surroundings.

"We look forward to working with all of the schools involved and seeing these children flourish."

Around 2,000 schools across Ireland took part in Allianz Cumann na mBunscol week earlier this month.

Alan Black, a manager at Allianz, said sport is an important tool for integration.

"Therefore, Allianz, through our work with Cumann na mBunscol, are delighted to sponsor this donation of sports equipment to schools across the country," he said.

"We hope it goes some way in facilitating the integration of these children into the school and wider community through participation in Gaelic games."