Old Leighlin and Luxembourg GAA Girls Forge Lasting Friendship

Old Leighlin U14 girls team recent cultural and sporting exchange visit to Luxembourg proved to be an unforgettable experience for players, mentors and parents alike, creating friendships and memories that will last for years to come.

The group departed Old Leighlin in high spirits on Friday, 25th September, and travelled to Dublin Airport for their flight to Luxembourg. On arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Eleanor O’Brien, a former Old Leighlin resident now living in Luxembourg.

The visitors quickly discovered Luxembourg’s excellent public transport system, with free trams and buses making travel around the city simple and efficient. After settling into their accommodation in Luxembourg City, players and mentors made their way to the Irish Embassy where they were received by Ireland’s Ambassador to Luxembourg, Jean McDonald.

The Ambassador extended a warm welcome to the Old Leighlin group and introduced them to members of Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg (GSCL) members. Over refreshments, players and mentors had an opportunity to meet their Luxembourg counterparts and begin building friendships that would strengthen throughout the weekend.

The exchange programme was largely initiated through Lizzie Murphy, a former Old Leighlin native who is now heavily involved with GSCL along side her husband Tadhg Dunne who is the Chairperson of the club. The connection between both clubs has already developed into a meaningful relationship based on shared values of sport, community and cultural exchange.

A major highlight of the embassy reception was the signing of a Friendship Charter by representatives of both clubs and team captains. The charter formalised the relationship between Old Leighlin and GSCL and established a commitment to continued cooperation and friendship into the future.

Following the embassy reception, the group travelled into the heart of Luxembourg City to meet with parents and members of the local club. The warm weather and lively atmosphere created the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s unique culture. The visitors were struck by the vibrant social scene, with people gathering in public squares, enjoying music, conversation and the late evening sunshine.

The girls particularly enjoyed experiencing one of the city’s outdoor music events. Accompanied by parents and mentors, they embraced the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a different cultural experience.

After an exciting first evening, the group returned to their hostel, where sleep proved elusive due to the excitement of the adventure. Early on Saturday morning they were once again guided by Eleanor and Elizabeth O’Brien, who use to play with the Old Leighlin girls, travelled by bus and tram to the grounds where GSCL is based.

The welcome that awaited them was extraordinary. Players, mentors, parents and supporters from GSCL could not have been more accommodating. The warmth and hospitality shown throughout the morning left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

The much anticipated match attracted a large number of supporters. Luxembourg fielded a team that included seven players who had travelled from Frankfurt to take part. The reality for many young players in continental Europe is that they regularly cross national borders to participate in Gaelic Games, often coming together for blitzes involving teams from Germany, Luxembourg, Brussels and Amsterdam. Several of the Luxembourg players had also represented a European Féile team that competed in Derry earlier this year.

The match itself was played in three twenty minute periods. Although it was a relatively new format for the Luxembourg girls, they displayed tremendous skill, determination and teamwork throughout. Old Leighlin ultimately proved the stronger side on the day and were delighted to lift the inaugural cup.

However, while a trophy was presented, everybody agreed that friendship and camaraderie were the real winners. The bonds formed between players from both clubs represented the true success of the weekend.

Following the match, Ambassador Jean McDonald presented the cup to the victorious Old Leighlin side and also presented a framed copy of the Friendship Charter. Eoghan O hAnnrachain, one of the founding members of the club, also presented Old Leighlin with the book he had written “More than a Sporting Experience – 30 Years of Gaelic Games in Luxembourg”

In return, Old Leighlin made a presentation to GSCL and the Ambassador as a token of appreciation for her support of the exchange. A copy of the original letter of invitation from the Ambassador in an oak engraved frame created by the Old Leighlin girls coach Denis McGrath which was presented to the ambassador and a symbolic bronze “Handshake of Friendship” presented to GSCL.

GSCL then treated their visitors to a magnificent spread of food and drinks. The hospitality shown by the club throughout the visit was exceptional and greatly appreciated by all who travelled.

Later that evening, over seventy people gathered for a social dinner organised by Lizzie Murphy and Eleanor O’Brien. The event provided another opportunity for players from both clubs to mingle, enjoy each other’s company and further strengthen the friendships developed over the course of the weekend.

By Monday morning, the group was confidently navigating Luxembourg’s public transport system as they made their way back to the airport for the journey home. Safely returned to Carlow, players, mentors and parents reflected on what had been a remarkable experience.

The Old Leighlin girls were outstanding ambassadors for their club, their families and their community. They embraced every aspect of the trip, represented the club with distinction and returned home having grown even closer as a team.

Most importantly, they returned with new friendships, wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the international Gaelic Games community that continues to connect young people across Europe.

The Old Leighlin team are very grateful to James Cody Solicitors & Sons, Link Broadband and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor for sponsoring the team gear, and to Aptus Fibre for sponsoring the girls meal. Jennifer also provided great support connecting us with the right people to make this trip happen.

Old Leighlin now looks forward to welcoming Ambassador Jean McDonald to the club during her forthcoming visit to Carlow, while the friendship between Old Leighlin and GSCL promises to grow stronger in the years ahead.