Irish sports net places on Unesco culture list
HURLING and camogie have raised the bar by winning Unesco recognition as protected cultural activities.
The sports join uilleann piping as the only Irish representatives on the list.
The additions come after a GAA delegation travelled to Paris last month to lobby for their inclusion.
A Unesco spokesperson said: “Hurling is considered as an intrinsic part of Irish culture and plays a central role in promoting health and wellbeing, inclusiveness and team spirit.
“As the custodians of hurling, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Camogie Association, both volunteer-led organisations, play a central role in transmitting the skills and values associated with hurling.”
A statement from the GAA welcomed the move and acknowledged the support of Minister Josepha Madigan and officials at the Department of Culture. Junior Minister John Paul Phelan said he was delighted a campaign he began almost a decade ago has finally borne fruit.
He added: “Those of us who love the sport tend to take it for granted just a little bit.
“But anyone from outside Ireland that
I’ve ever brought to a hurling or a camogie game is stunned by the speed of the game, the skill level and the fact that they are voluntary codes.”