Gaelic Handball
The first sport that we learned is called Handball. Essentially, Handball is like racquetball, without the racquet. Or squash, without the racquet. The lesson started out by simply having everyone hit the ball against the wall. As the lesson continued, we started to pair off, and we eventually attempted to play one-on-one games. I think I won one game, so at least there’s that!!
Gaelic Hurling
So Hurling is a really intense, highly competitive, and oddly physical sport. In my head, it is a combination of lacrosse, hockey, and baseball. There is a hurler (otherwise known as the stick that we used to play), a small ball, and helmets. The instructors tried their best to teach us the rules, but it is a slightly confusing game. After several technical lessons and warnings about being careful, everyone set out to play a match.
I can honestly say that I have never seen such a funny event. Since everyone playing was a very new beginner, it was fun to watch (and try to play) this traditional Irish sport. I cannot say that I am a master, or even that I understand the sport, but I did really enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the traditional game.
Gaelic Football
Before we arrived at the center, I was concerned that I was going to have to play rugby. Thankfully, however, we learned to play Gaelic Football instead. Gaelic Football is unlike American Football and is also nothing like soccer. Instead of solely using your hands or feet, this form of football combines both. It is an interesting game, because it relies so heavily on hand-eye-foot coordination (something I sorely lack)!
We broke out into teams, after being taught the basic techniques and rules of the game. I think, that because this game appears to be similar to soccer and/or football, people got more into it. I saw people shoving each other and even saw someone get taken to the ground. For this sport, I was much more of a sideline-person, simply because it was too intense for me!
After playing each of these sports, I have reached the verdict that I should stick to being a spectator, at least with the Gaelic sports. I am in awe of the coordination, strength, and agility that the players must have. While I may not pursue a career in Gaelic Handball or Hurling or Football, I really enjoyed getting the chance to learn more about the sports. There is so much history associated with each sport, that it astounds me. When I look at other sports, I do not really see the deep-seeded history that the Gaelic sports have. It was really interesting to hear how, what we call sports today, were actually used as training for war. Like the rest of the country’s traditions, the traditional Gaelic sports are rooted in the country’s values, system, and life-style.
Sports and Culture
As an American, I think that it is easier to see the ties between culture and sports, simply because in America, there is such a push for sports. People define part of who they are by their favorite sports team, whether it is a football team, a baseball team, or even a hockey team! For instance, in Arkansas and in Alabama, there are not many professional sports, yet people still identify themselves by sports teams. In Alabama, people root for Auburn or Alabama; in Arkansas, most of the state is rooting for the Razorbacks.
Everywhere you go, especially in the bigger cities, sports dominate the city! The bars are tailored to sports lovers, the stores market towards the in-season sport, and the grocery stores are always selling some sport-themed food. Throughout the United States, sports are definitely a cultural presence. Furthermore, winning and losing is of huge importance in the American sports culture.
In Ireland, however, I noticed that the people feel a different tie to sports. Instead of sports and athletes being raised above others, the people in Ireland all want to participate. The best and most competitive players still get paid to play; however, everywhere I look in Ireland, there are local teams and clubs. The Irish people are more invested in the community of sports, rather than the competition of it.
I think that it is fascinating to note how the importance that a culture places on sports is directly related to the values of the culture. Think about it. In America, the values are freedom, liberty, independence, etc. Therefore, people view sports as a representation of those values. Americans play their various sports to highlight their personal strengths and to exert their independence. The Irish athletes, on the other hand, many be extremely talented, but that is not the focus. Since the Irish people value community and family, their sports world is representative of it. The act of playing on a team with your community is much more important than winning the match or game.
Glasnevin Cemetery
After we finished playing Gaelic sports, my classmates and I headed to The Gravediggers Pub for lunch. I promise, there was no grave digging that occurred. Instead, I had a wonderful meal, followed by an amazing dessert, which was so good I have to brag about it with a photo. If ever in Dublin, go to the Gravediggers Pub and ask for the Pavlova.
When we finished eating, the class went to the Glasnevin Cemetery, located just next door. This cemetery is the largest in Ireland. Many of the historical figures we have been discussing in class were actually buried in this cemetery. While I could not actually locate their gravestones, I did take pictures of some of the more amazing sites found within.
Basically, today concluded the two-week intercultural course that I am taking. We are having a farewell banquet tomorrow, however, today included our last official excursions. Hopefully, tomorrow I will be visiting the Guinness Storehouse (and have photos to share). Hope you have enjoyed my blogs and photos up till now!
--
Read along with Shannon at https://shannonsdublintrip.wordpress.com/
Learn more about the U of A Faculty-Led: Education Abroad: Ireland at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/eduireland
