By 
PUPILS from Sacred Heart College were treated to a talk and coaching session from Iraqi refugee, Abood Aljumail aka Bonnor Ó Loingsigh.
Bonnor relocated to Ireland 13-years ago as a result of the war in Baghdad and settled in Dublin.
It was there, he was introduced to hurling and it changed his life and helped him integrate into the community.
“I couldn’t hit the sliotar, I couldn’t even hold the hurl properly.
“Eventually, I thought this wasn’t for me but for some reason I got attracted to it and went back. I just stuck at it then. I remember getting my own hurl and sliotar and practicing out the back. Just trying to lift the ball. I kept trying and trying and trying.
“Eventually, I lifted it and realised I’d fallen in love with what I believe to be the greatest game on Earth.”
He has taken up a new role with Dublin GAA to help the organisation spread Gaelic games across minority and religious communities.
Bonnor Ó Loingsigh recounted his tale of involvement in the GAA, how hurling helped him unite with people of different religions and faiths and also give some tips and provide a training session for the young Sacred Heart hurlers.
