The commencement of a GAA coaching programme in Argentina is a “groundbreaking” event that has resonance for business, education, cultural, and diplomatic relations between Ireland and Latin America, according to president of AIT and Midlands Gateway Chamber president, Ciaran O’Cathain.
Teams from Ballymahon and Ballymore National Schools participated in a symbolic match last week to mark the launch of the inaugural GAA coaching programme for Argentina.
Speaking at the launch, Professor O’Cathain said the programme was far more than a significant sporting event.
“At a time of great economic uncertainty, it is heartening that this initiative encourages us to look beyond our own boundaries to explore global possibilities,” he said.
The launch of the programme, which aims to reactivate Gaelic games in Argentina, was attended by Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan, which according to Prof O’Cathain spoke volumes about the potential and value of the scheme.
“It also underlines how various parties from across the public and private sector, and from cultural and sporting bodies are co-operating to deliver a truly novel and groundbreaking concept.
“As the coaching project develops, I look forward to these bonds growing stronger, thereby producing a force for change and a model of partnership that will benefit all stakeholders.”
The president also paid tribute to the chamber for its work in gelling the various partners together.
“Fired by a vision to drive further investment in infrastructure, enterprise and quality of life projects in Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar, the chamber is working with the business community in the Gateway, as well as with state agencies.
“As the only third level institution in the Midlands, AIT is central to the work of the Gateway Chamber and we are delighted to also be involved with this initiative. For us, the GAA coaching programme signifies the potentiality of the Midlands, the creative spirit, the drive to innovate, and the desire to succeed that is the bedrock of this region.”
Some 30,000 Irish emigrants travelled to Argentina between the end of the Famine and the 1930s, resulting in the South American country providing the unlikely home to the fifth largest Irish community in the world.
Prof O’Cathain believes this new initiative offers a new opportunity to build connections with Latin America.
“One of the most significant aspects of our diaspora in Argentina is just how many of them came from the Midlands, and in particular from Westmeath and Longford. There is a long history of relationships between our two countries going all the way back to the early 1500s, with early explorers distinguishing themselves in the medical profession, journalism, the navy, and the army.
“While the frontier conditions in which many of the émigrés found themselves were undoubtedly harsh, success stories of the Irish in Argentina abound. Struggles over identity pertained there too, with many seeking to distinguish themselves from the Ingleses. Indeed, around the same time that the GAA was being formed in Thurles, hurling was introduced to Argentina by Birr man, William Bulfin, and became a popular sport, particularly around Buenos Aires.
“While the game thrived for a number of decades, indeed culminating in an All-Argentina hurling championship, by the 1940s it had all but died. A spark carefully tended though, still has the potential to burst into flames. Hopefully, this coaching initiative will inspire in the young people of Argentina, a love of the Gaelic sports of their forefathers.”
