GAA goes global as 100 Ugandan kids join historic first ever Cúl Camp
More than 100 Ugandan children will take part in their first-ever GAA Cúl Camp this week in the East African nation.Clare GAA coach, John Conroy, is spearheading the tournament - with boys and girls from Walukuba West Primary School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, taking part.The school is situated just a few kilometres from the source of the iconic River Nile.Mr Conroy, who is a PE teacher, founded the Nile Óg Cusacks GAA Club in Jinga in July 2024 after introducing GAA to a class of deaf children at Walukuba West School.Interest exploded within the school now up to 80 children train every week under eight Ugandan teachers and volunteers, supported by Youtube coaching plans from Ireland.In total, more than 450 children have taken part in Gaelic football since the club was established.According to Conroy, a long-time visitor to Uganda to volunteer with Rays of Hope Hospice, said: “Cúl Camps have been a staple of Irish childhood, and it is great to see the concept travel thousands of miles to Uganda, bringing not just skills but a powerful message of inclusion. The children have taken to Gaelic football like ducks to water, and the skill levels have reached an impressive level.”The initiative has received strong backing from the Gaelic Athletic Association and Head of International Games, Ciaran McLoughlin, who supported with much-needed gear for this week’s camp.Conroy added: “It’s brilliant to see how much joy Gaelic football brings to the kids."“This isn’t just about sport. It’s also about inclusion, equality and opportunity.”He said it was a proud moment last year when Gaelic games terminology was incorporated into the official Ugandan Sign Language dictionary, enabling deaf players to fully participate and thrive.He continued: “Deaf children train and play with their peers. Girls line out alongside boys, with female captains already leading teams. Every child is welcomed, regardless of background.”Mr Conroy said challenges remain with many players still training barefoot - while shorts, particularly for girls, are in scarce supply, and pitches are often in poor condition.Sourcing funding to develop and grow the game with a population of 50 million, and half of the population under 16 is also a challenge.The club’s newly designed crest reflects the unique bond between Ireland and Uganda, linking the River Nile with the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren in Co. Clare.Uganda has seen a number of GAA clubs established in recent years, and Conroy said ambitious plans are already in place to host an East African GAA competition in 2027.The growth of Gaelic games in Uganda has been strongly supported by the Irish Embassy, who, according to Conroy, have been very supportive. In February, the Government launched an International Sports Diplomacy Strategy aimed at advancing Ireland’s interests and values in the world and using sport in international partnerships.Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.
