AIR DATE MARCH 3, 2022
Title: Irish American Heritage
Learn about the Irish-American community and its underlying history in central Florida.
Guests and Locations
Orlando Gaelic Athletic Association, Coach/Manager – Thomas O’ Griofa
Central Florida Irish Dance, Founder/Director – Sarah Costello
Keeping Irish Culture Alive in Central Florida
The Irish heritage is strong in America, with more than 31.5M people claiming Irish ancestry. While the most Irish states lie in New England, you may be surprised to know that Florida also has one of the largest Irish American populations.
I spoke with the Orlando Gaelic Athletic Association team to shine a light on Irish sports still practiced in Central Florida. Then, I talked to a native of Belfast, Ireland, and world-renowned Irish dancer and musician Sarah Costello.
They shared insight on how they are keeping Irish culture alive in Central Florida and how you can do the same.
Playing Traditional Irish Sports
Sports are a deep-rooted part of most cultures, especially the Irish. And what better way to keep the culture alive than by actively practicing traditional Irish sports? Ancient sports of hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football are still enjoyed right in Central Florida.
Hurling
Hurling is over 3,000 years old, and it is the national sport of Ireland. “You generally pass by either striking the ball with the hurl or doing a hand pass,’ Jeff Lawler, GAA team member, explains.
‘Scoring is kind of like on a soccer goal and like football, American football uprights. Over the goal is one point, in the goal is three points. It’s a very fast game; it’s referred to as the fastest game on grass.”
Camogie
This is the female version of hurling. It involves the same basic practices, equipment, and skills, but the rules are slightly different.
Gaelic Football
Again, Gaelic football is similar to hurling. This sport is played with a ball instead of using a hurley (a wooden oar-like stick). Think of a traditional soccer ball that is very dense and heavy.
Practicing Irish Dance
Irish dancing has exploded over Orlando in the last few years. Riverdance is one of the most popular forms of Irish dance, but there are so many others.
Sarah explains, “In different regions of Ireland, North, South, East and West, we have different styles. A dancer from Belfast might be a little different from a dancer in Dublin when you do a traditional set dance. So, we have dances that are called traditional, and they are the same steps from dating back to the early 1900s, the same steps to today.”
A simple search online will reveal many Irish dance schools in Central Florida. And where there is dance, there is music, which further keeps the culture alive in America.
Step into the Action!
While sport and dance are a great way to introduce Irish culture to Americans, it’s also an important way to give Irish natives a little piece of home while in the States.
If you are interested in hurling, camogie, or Gaelic football, you can find out more about it on the GAA Facebook page. If dancing is your cup of tea, connect with Central Florida Irish Dance and bust a move.
