Culture Day was a huge success

THERE are many things associated with the GAA that make you proud to be associated with it. The skills on display, the battles on the pitch but ultimately, it’s the camaraderie that comes from it that is the best.

Complete strangers, from different clubs, from all over the world fight it out on the pitch to be the winners but afterwards, they can be seen chatting and laughing together as if they have been friends for years. As the GAA saying goes ‘nothing beats being there.’

This was very much on display at the end of last month when Ceann Creige (above) hosted its Culture Day—a day designed to celebrate the Irish community and what a day it was. The event was organised with the support of the Irish Consulate and we are extremely grateful for their help and guidance. Irish Consul General, Jerry O’Donovan, managed to stop by on the day and gave the opening speech. He welcomed teams from all over the UK and Ireland to Clydebank and highlighted how wonderful a community the Irish were, no matter where they were in the world.

The magnitude of the day was a first for Ceann Creige and the organising of the day started back in January 2025. Fifteen teams came to compete for winning glory in all codes. Not even the rain could stop the determination of all the players and supporters in enjoying their day. Glasgow Gaels ran out winners in the Men’s and Ladies Gaelic Football, with Sean Traceys of London winning the hurling and Erin’s Isle from Dublin winning the camogie. We were delighted to have Niamh Brown—Glasgow’s Mary from Dungloe entrant—along to present the prizes to the winners.

The day consisted of more than just adult games, with the youth team also getting a run out and enjoying some games with their shinty counterparts. Face painting was provided as well as a special demonstration of hurley making by Martin Hurls who had travelled all the way from County Antrim.

Martin Hurls also ensured that hurleys were available to buy on the day and it was something every club who attended took advantage of. The quality of the hurleys will allow no excuses for teams to lose this coming year!

Food was provided by Pizza Geeks and Gelatoni Ice Creams and kept young and old happy and well fed.

As if the day wasn’t enough of a delight, music was provided from start to finish by the Buíon Ceoil Brother Walfrid and DJ Zepho Entertainment. A great mix of traditional and dance music to ensure the fun and atmosphere never stopped.

The celebrations continued long into the night at Malones Irish bar, proud sponsors of the adult Ceann Creige teams. Many remarked how wonderful a day it was and that they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

Liam Luporini, club chairperson, gave the closing speech and thanked everyone for their donations and attendance on the day. For a club founded for a social scene, the growth in the last few years has been nothing short of extraordinary. The culture day was first of many for what is now a well-established club.

Our thanks to the organisers within Ceann Creige for making the day a success. Organisations like the GAA are built on the back of volunteers who donate their time and efforts all year round. Without them, on and off the pitch, the club would not survive. Work will start soon on the organising of next year’s culture day where it’s hoped to build on the success of this year. Ceann Creige prides itself on being a club welcoming of all and celebrating the Irish community. The culture day epitomised that and we look forward to continuing to do so for many more years.

As alluded to before, this day was a success as a result of volunteers within the club and the generous donations from the Irish Consulate. By 5pm on Saturday, May 31, there was only joy and happiness to be seen at Clydebank Sports Hub. Everyone there was singing and dancing, people who had never met mixing together, chatting and laughing. At the end of the day, isn’t that what the GAA and Irish culture is all about? That is why, it will always be celebrated.