SUMMERSIDE- Islanders with Irish roots and fans of traditional Irish sports will make their presence known in Charlottetown this weekendas Gaelic football and hurling players head to the province’s capital for the Eastern Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association championships.
Last year’s championships were the first time Kim Studer played Gaelic football.
“It was basically trial by fire,” she said with a chuckle.
Kim’s husband, CJ, has shown an interest in the sport for a number of years.
“I’ve been involved with the P.E.I. Gaelic Athletic Association for about two years. But the sport is so new on the Island. We’re hoping that by hosting the championships, we’ll create a larger interest in the sport.”
This year marks the third year of the PEIGAA’s existence – and a first for the association’s women’s team – and the Miscouche couple is excited about the event.
“Playing last year was really about the camaraderie for me. I had to go over the bridge and play with the Halifax team because we didn’t have a ladies’ one. Yes, it’s great to win and everything like that, but it’s also a really great time to get everyone together and have some fun,” said Kim.
“This year the ladies’ team has grown so much. It’s like once someone goes to one practice, they are hooked.”
The majority of the women’s team is made up of Prince County resident,s while the men’s team is made up mostly of Souris residents.
Players, officials and the Irish ambassador to Canada arrived on P.E.I. yesterday for an opening meet-and-greet before the tournament kicks off Saturday.
“It’s a three-day affair but a one-day show on Sept. 1. We’re hoping to play four or five 20-minute games each, with the pool made up of P.E.I., Halifax, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal,” said CJ.
That night, once the games are over, there will be a gala dinner at Peakes Quay and then drinks and further celebrations at the Olde Dublin Pub in Charlottetown.
On Sept. 2 the crew will then head to the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse to watch the All Ireland hurling final with a big Irish breakfast.
For full schedule details or for more information about the PEIGAA or the Island’s own P.E.I. Celts, click here.
