New Dublin GAA club provides 'support network' to newcomers

RTÉ News​

21-05-2025

A new GAA club in Dublin has provided a vital "support network" to people who have made the city their home.
Columbus Gaelic is Ireland's first migrant-led GAA club, bringing together players from 28 countries to help them adapt to life on Irish soil.
Since its formation on St Patrick's Day 2024, the club has welcomed 117 newcomers, 72 of whom attend their training sessions regularly at Fairview Park, Dublin.
The club was founded by Emilio Piccione from Italy, who saw Gaelic Games as a pathway into Irish culture for people like himself.
"Gaelic Games is a safe place for all the migrants who want to integrate with Irish culture," he said. "Our players come from all over the world, and Columbus gives them a place where they feel they belong."
At first, Gaelic Games were not even part of the plan.
Mr Piccione and club director Marianella Oropeza from Venezuela thought rounders would be a better starting point for Latin American migrants familiar with baseball and softball.
"But we realised GAA would connect people better," said Mr Piccione.
"We started with football, and a month later we were playing hurling too," he added.
"You learn a new sport and the Irish culture, and at the same time you meet people from other countries. It helps you feel less isolated."
As the club grew, Ms Oropeza focused on connecting with migrants through language and culture.
"We try to get at least one person from each community involved - not just to translate, but to help others feel understood," she said.
"It's easier to reach people when they know you understand their background."
For the club's Argentine football captain, Luciano Escanosa, Columbus Gaelic is more than a team - it is a support system.
"It's an amazing opportunity for migrants," he said.
"You learn a new sport and the Irish culture, and at the same time you meet people from other countries. It helps you feel less isolated," he added.
Some players discover the club by chance. Juan Carlos from Chile showed up at Fairview Park to play soccer but ended up staying for Gaelic football.
"I'm going to play soccer, but I finished with Gaelic football."
"It's strange at first - you use your hands - but it's amazing," he said.
"It's very different. In football there's no touching with the hands, so it's very strange for me.
"It reminds me of basketball, football and tennis."
Rafael Schürhaus from Brazil, who joined alongside Juan Carlos, shared a similar reaction.
"I thought it was an amazing experience in the field. I never saw this sport before, it's amazing," he said.
Starting from scratch
Hurling has become one of the most popular sports at Columbus. German coach Chris Bethe trains complete beginners every week.
"Most of them have never even seen this sport before," he said. "Some didn't even know the name of the sport. So, we keep it very basic, very beginner-friendly," he added.
Columbus Gaelic provides a unique environment where adults can learn the skills of Gaelic Games from scratch - a rarity in traditional Irish clubs.
Alex Hernandez from El Salvador highlights why this is so important.
"All the Irish people start to play when they are children, and I was looking for someone to teach me from zero," he said.
"It's very skilful, but also the culture that is included with the sport.
"We want to start with kids properly, because that will be our base for the future."
"On the pitch we are rivals, but after the match, we are friends. I really enjoy it, so here I am still playing after one year."
Beyond sport, the club has become a support network where players help each other find jobs, housing, and navigate life in Ireland.
"It's a community, and that helps with integration," Mr Bethe explained.
"Hurling is such an important part of Irish culture and heritage. It's good to know about this sport, to play this sport, it certainly helps with integration into Irish society."
"It's good to have some form of community, where they help each other out when it comes to life and living arrangements," he added.
Looking ahead, the club plans to affiliate officially with the GAA in 2026 and hopes to expand underage development within two years.
"We want to see a proper club with not just adult migrants, but also kids, and to bring some players to the county, of course," said Emilio.
"We want to start with kids properly, because that will be our base for the future."
"Of course, to get bigger, we need Irish players. We need Irish to get involved in our project to play next season. We need some experience. We need coaches and we need managers and volunteers for our project," he added.