Summary

The author recounts a family's experience with Gaelic football and cultural exchange during their Ireland trip, alongside attending a local church service.

Abstract

During their sixth day in Ireland, the author's family is introduced to Gaelic football by their neighbors, experiencing a unique blend of soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football. The game leaves the author both confused and exhilarated, especially enjoying the novelty of carrying a soccer ball. Post-game, they engage in a cultural exchange over biscuits and apple tart, discussing differences between American and Irish cultures, including the Irish tradition of a transition year for teens. Earlier in the day, they attended a church service where they felt welcomed by a Nigerian family and were moved by the congregation's spirit despite language barriers. The day provided a refreshing break from their busy travel schedule.

Opinions

The author found Gaelic football both confusing and exhilarating, particularly noting the freedom to carry a soccer ball.
The cultural exchange was enlightening, with the author's children pointing out cultural nuances, such as the American interpretation of the phrase "Want to have a craick?"
The Irish teens' practice of taking a transition year at 15 was met with approval by the author's children.
The author struggled to understand the Irish accent but appreciated its lilting quality and found it influencing their own thoughts.
The author admired the dedication and passion of the local church congregation, noting their strong spirit and commitment to their faith despite being a minority in the community.
The day was considered a nice, relaxing break from the family's otherwise hectic travel itinerary.

An Initiation to Gaelic Football

Day 6 of our Ireland Trip

Nice to meet you, Gaelic football.

It was Sunday afternoon. The family with teens who lived next door to my sister’s Irish farmhouse invited our family to a game of Gaelic football on their beautiful lawn.

Gaelic football is a cross between soccer, football, volleyball, and basketball. Within three steps, you can bounce a ball, solo kick, or punch it.

I’d never been more confused nor exhilarated in my life, being allowed to carry a soccer ball as a non-goalie. One thing was for sure: we were constantly on the move. I played a bit and then was glad to chat with the neighbor’s mom, so I could catch my breath.

Our kids’ Irish dreams were all finally fulfilled. Sabrina got her bird preserve day, Sierra got her castle day, and Wesley got his play with a soccer ball day.

Cultural Exchange

Afterward, the Gaelic Football contingent invited us to their home for some biscuits and apple tart. The adults mostly listened while the teens had a rousing discussion comparing American and Irish cultures.

To ask if you want to hang out, the Irish say, “Want to have a craick?” Our kids replied, “Um…you wouldn’t want to say that in America.”

The Irish play Gaelic football, but not so much soccer or basketball.

At 15, Irish teens usually take a transition year, where they travel. My kids said that was a great idea.

The Irish kids said it’s awesome that we say, “Awesome.”

Attending church

Earlier today, the kids had met other teens, too.

With it being Sunday, we attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints branch at an industrial park in Mullingar. There were about twenty members in attendance. A cute family from Nigeria made the kids feel welcome and gave them a list of must-sees.

We had arrived late at the sacrament meeting, having gotten lost for a bit, just as they were finishing passing the sacrament. I didn’t worry about it, but later, they so nicely passed the sacrament for us once again.

I had a hard time understanding the Irish, especially when they spoke fast, but I loved the lilt of their speech. I was starting to think in Irish. Truly! My thoughts were starting to sound lilting. It could have been that I was familiar with the speech because of my brother-in-law. It’s a good speech pattern to emulate at any rate.

Notwithstanding that I didn’t understand everything that was said, the spirit of God was strong with this branch. They were outspoken, funny, and passionate about their beliefs. I admired their dedication to the gospel and their desire to truly live it in a community where they are a minority.

It was a nice, relaxing day…a lovely break from our run-run schedule the last few days.

This is a 9-day series through Ireland. Here are Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5. Thank you for reading!

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