"They are natural hurlers" - Waterford man at the centre of introducing GAA to Palestine 

A Waterford city local has told the story of his recent trip to Palestine, where he was helping to introduce Gaelic games to Palestinian children.

Freddie Drohan travelled alongside GAA Palestine, a group which was founded in 2024 with the hope of using sport as powerful means of emotional and physical healing, especially in communities affected by conflict and isolation.

Since its founding, GAA Palestine has seen rapid growth and today there are five active clubs established across the West Bank in Ramallah, Tulkarem, Hebron, South Bethlehem, and Jenin. 

In addition, the city of Al-Bireh is working towards introducing hurling into all local schools, a project that will reach approximately 10,000 children.

In a remarkable milestone for Gaelic sports abroad, Palestine now boasts two local hurley manufacturers operating in the West Bank. These initiatives not only provide the necessary equipment for players but also support local economies and promote skill development within Palestinian communities.

July 2024, marked the first training session in Ramallah. Boys aged 11 to 13 started the session with warm-ups and drills. Their coach showed them how to play with the hurleys, different moves and techniques. It was, unsurprisingly, the first time the boys had held a hurley.

This first club was originally named Ramallah Hurling Club but is now known as Moataz Sarsour GAA Club. Moataz, one of the first volunteers to help establish the club, was shot by Israeli Occupation Forces on August 13, 2024 and pronounced dead by doctors at the Palestinian Medical Complex.

The process of establishing more GAA clubs in Al Khalil (Hebron), Bethlehem and, soon, Tulkararm, is already underway, with Waterford local Freddie Drohan at the centre of the process. 

Speaking with the Waterford News & Star, Freddie discussed his experience working with the group.

"The Freedom Sport"

 “They are natural hurlers there," Freddie said.

“When we first went in we showed them how to how to grip the hurley, how to swing, how to roll lift, and the majority of kids picked it up straight away," he added.

"They are very athletic, intelligent, great kids.”

In Palestine, locals have been referring to hurling as "the freedom sport" due to its linkage with Irish history and culture. 

"Being from a nation very in touch with oppression and its people who have experienced genocide and its effects, we are extending the culture and friednship through the ancient game of hurling."

Freddie, who played hurling himself during his school days in Mount Sion, says that the game is now also having a propound impact on children in the West Bank: “The focus is on the children and the game in the hope that it will bring fun, which is most important, alongside enjoyment and distraction from the situation they find themselves in, while also fostering solidarity between our two peoples."

“It’s about providing solidary through sport and giving them a distraction through hurling," said Freddie.

"Sport is one of the greatest distractions from life, and what better sport than hurling. It’s the best game in the world."

Situated approximately half an hour from Gaza, Freddie worked with the local community to build the a GAA presence within the area.

“When I was there, naturally people are curious where you’re from, and once you say Ireland there’s an instant smile on their face. They want to engage with you and talk to you and thank the people of Ireland for their support" he said.

“Palestinian people are very resilient. They have to be. The hospitality of the Palestinian people is unreal. You’re welcomed, looked after, and they’re so happy to have you there."

Freddie added that is own experience introducing GAA to Palestinian children has had a profound impact on his own life: “You learn to have gratitude for what you have and the life you live here in Ireland. At the end of the day, if I can help someone less fortunate than me I'll try and I am so grateful for the support of my wife and kids in helping me do that.

He said that he is aiming to return to Palestine later this year, and the group are hoping to further expand their presence.

 “In order for the Hebron GAA Club to grow, we need people and support will be giving to volunteers regardless of hurling experience, everyone has something to offer and are very welcome.” 

More information and donation link is available at gaapalestine.com