The world should enjoy Gaelic games

A RECENT documentary was aired on US cable television chronicling the story of the Barley House Wolves, a hurling club in New Hampshire consisting entirely of National Guard soldiers.

This well-established club now contests the North American GAA championship and owes its existence to one soldier’s inspiration when he saw a hurling match for the first time on TV during a military refuelling stop at Shannon.

Just imagine the sheer scale of growth that hurling could see in America if the tape delay broadcasting rights for the game were given away to any mainstream network that would broadcast it at a decent hour, in a format to which the American audience could relate.

As long as the game remains confined to expensive pay-per-view live broadcasts only, this most genuine and exciting expression of Irish culture will remain hidden from view.

Eamonn Gormley

Chairman

National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association

Sunnyvale

California

USA