In recent years the number of young Irish working and studying in Europe has grown steadily. It is no great surprise then that the number of GAA clubs on the continent has also been increasing rapidly.
The GEANSAÍ visits the German federal capital and sees how Berlin GAA is providing an important focal point for young Irish people based in Berlin and its success in attracting people of many other nationalities to its ranks.
Set up in 2014 by the late Chris Hennessy from Listowel, Berlin GAA is one of the newest GAA clubs in Europe. Training takes place in the grounds of Templehof Airport, which provided a crucial lifeline for West Berlin at the end of the Second World War when it was used by the Western Allied Powers during the Berlin Airlift. Templehof closed as an airport in 2008 and the grounds are now used for recreational purposes. The sight of players dashing around with camáns and sliotars has piqued the interest of many passersby and the club has attracted people of many nationalities to its ranks including Ahmed and Amjad Alsamaraie, two brothers who came to Berlin as refugees from Iraq.
Another passionate member is Robert Henneberg, a native Berliner, who has a keen interest in the Irish language. Robert, who already spoke six languages, encountered Irish by chance and joined the local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in Berlin. Within 5 years he could speak Irish fluently. Through his contact with the Conradh, Robert discovered Berlin GAA. Robert is now club secretary, responsible for coordinating training and arranging matches with other clubs in Germany and throughout Europe.
At the training sessions The Geansaí finds Paudie O’Neill, formerly coach of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team and currently Chairman of the GAA’s Hurling Development Committee. Paudie is a regular visitor to Berlin gives Berlin GAA a regular dig out in Templehof.
“Caithfidh tú dul as do bhealach chun bualadh le Éireannaigh eile anseo. Is deis iontach é an club chun é sin a dhéanamh.”