A 1798 GAA tournament in Humbert's steps

By Caoimhín Rowland

LAST week saw the biggest global event in the history of the GAA.

Nope, not the All-Ireland football final in Croke Park, but further north up in Joe Brolly country.

GAA teams from all four corners of the world gathered to showcase the growth of our native games.

The FRS Recruitment GAA World Games were held in Dungiven.

It was the fourth in its history and it’s believed four thousand people descended on Derry from all corners of earth.

A surprise to many of us is the growth of Gaelic games in bizarre locations, but it warms our sporting souls and, in my belief, opens avenues for new opportunities for local communities here at home.

The country with the largest burgeoning number of players is indeed our French neighbours. The first GAA club in France, Paris Gaels, was formed there in 1994 by Irish expats.

As I write there are 24 GAA clubs in France and over 90% of the estimated 800 players involved are native French.

A stunning number when you consider what we are witnessing in parts of Mayo, diminishing numbers, amalgamations and emigration profoundly impacting our rural clubs.

Mayo, of course, has strong historic links to France. We’re approaching the anniversary of Humbert’s fleet landing in Kilcummin, making their way through the desolate bog lands of north Mayo, through the Windy Gap and on to the famed Races of Castlebar and the establishment of the Republic of Connaught.

Historical societies often find it difficult to capture the imagination of younger generations, but what better tool is at the disposal of the Irish than our very own sport?

Gaelic Games are particularly popular in the Brittany region of France where there are 10 GAA clubs.

For the Bretons, Gaelic Games aren’t just sports, they’re an expression of a shared Celtic culture, which is one of the reasons why the GAA has flourished in the north west of France.

The French supporters were the stand-out from the GAA World Games last week.

Boisterous Les Bleus fans belted out La Marseillaise at full pelt in Derry, while their team excelled on the pitch.

Here in Mayo, this is the month we celebrate the Year of the French.

Knowledge of 1798 is felt strongly amongst the people of this county, thanks in part to the late Steve Dunford of the ‘In Humbert’s Footsteps’ who was vital in keeping the heritage alive. It’s great to see this continue with events occurring this month in the county town.

Humbert’s Franco-Irish force marched along the remote west shore of Lough Conn over rough uneven ground, passing Barnageeha (the Windy Gap) and arrived at Castlebar to face a startled British garrison under the command of General Lake.

They broke through the Crown forces and moved from Staball Hill down Thomas Street to what was then the marketplace.

From here, they took Castlebar Bridge, under the command of General Fontaine. With the rebels in pursuit, the Crown forces broke and fled in what became known as the ‘Races of Castlebar’.

A tournament celebrating Gaelic games with a specific shared heritage wouldn’t be the first.

The Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta draws Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking clubs from around the country to compete across various grades. Taking inspiration from this we could organise a 1798-inspired Gaelic games tournament idea and run with it.

Taking each of the GAA clubs in Mayo that Humbert’s army marched through during the famous and ultimately ruinous rebellion.

Lacken GAA Club, now playing under the Northern Gaels name with Kilfian, you would also have Killala, Ardagh, Crossmolina Deel Rovers, Lahardane MacHales, Ballina Stephenites, Castlebar Mitchels, Parke KC and Bohola Moy Davitts.

I’m sure I’ve left a few clubs along the famed route out, but the diminishing number of ‘Humbert Way’ road signs around the county is what I’ll blame.

A total celebration of Gaelic games with the fastest growing communities celebrating the sport would be something special.

Played in a time after the club championship, the 1798 GAA tournament could utilise B team players, increasing sport participation for those seeking a less stressful 60 minutes of action.

Accommodation, as ever, is a huge concern. It’s the new Irish excuse now when you try to develop a new plan or create ideas.

Comórtas has never had any accommodation issues. Gaeltacht communities open their doors to weary gaeilgeoirs from across the country.

In Mayo, we could do just that for our francophone friends.

It would also help to improve tourism infrastructure in parts of the county that rarely see much footfall.

Camping grounds could be set up with full facilities and the knock-on of seeing a handful of French GAA clubs visit a rural village or parish would be colossal.

In the calendar there is commerce.

Make it a tradition, fill the pubs and restaurants and celebrate our shared history in a truly unique and Celtic way.