In 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded to promote Irish sports and culture, and Gaelic football quickly became one of the organization’s most popular sports. The Prague Hibernians GAA club was founded in 2009 and has since seen the club have had over 200 members. The club now has two thriving teams in men’s and ladies' football, a growing hurling and camogie section and a developing Kids GAA section.
Today, Gaelic football is one of the most popular sports in Ireland, with thousands of players and fans all over the country. The game has also gained international recognition, with Gaelic football clubs and leagues now found in many countries around the world.
What is Gaelic football?
Gaelic football is played with a round ball, similar to a soccer ball, on a rectangular field with a H-shaped goal at each end. The game aims to score more points than the opposing team by kicking or punching the ball over the crossbar or into the goal. Players can carry the ball for a distance of four steps before they must either bounce it or solo it (kick it back into their hands). There are 15 players on each team, and the game is played in two halves of 30 minutes each.
Who are the Hibernians?
The Prague Hibernians GAA football team is a group of dedicated athletes passionate about Gaelic football and Irish culture. The team is based in Prague, Czech Republic, and is made up of players from all over the world who share a love of the game.
The Hibernians have welcomed students on the Erasmus exchange program, allowing them to train and join in on the fun whilst living abroad. One Erasmus student we interviewed stated “It’s been great fun getting to know so many new people and learning to do something new; everyone has been so friendly and helpful!” – Sean Kane
This year the Hibernians have seen a surge in membership growth due to remote workers from Ireland choosing to settle in Prague as an increasingly more affordable city to live in.
The Prague Hibernians have a strong record of success in the Czech Gaelic football league, in particular over this last year, the woman’s team achieved a third place title in the central East European Championships, and the men’s team placed an honorable second place as well as winning the Czech championship for Hurley. Their success is growing, and both teams have high hopes to top these results in the coming season.
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