A group of 12 international journalists from the US, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Britain arrive in Ireland to-day to experience first-hand the uniqu

e nature of Irish Hurling. 

 The special ‘Game of Gods’ hurling experience familiarisation trip has been organised by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Together the journalists represent a combined circulation of over 32.6 million. They will top their trip by attending the All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final between Kilkenny and Waterford at Croke Park this Sunday. Among the group attending the game is freelance writer Kathy Mangan, with the National Geographic Traveler Magazine which attracts more than 26 million global visitors a month.

 

Welcoming the journalists to Ireland for their first ever Hurling experience, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said:

 “Our unique culture, particularly our native sports, is a fantastic gateway for overseas visitors to enjoy an authentic Irish experience and really get to grips with what we are all about. I hope that the travelling media enjoy all the passion, exhilaration and enjoyment that a game at Croke Park can serve up and share that experience with their readers all around the world”.

 Speaking today, Brenda King, from Fáilte Ireland’s International Publicity team explained why the focus on Hurling was of such interest to overseas media:

 “We’ve been promoting our national sports to overseas press groups for a few years now as the games are so unique and are very much part of our culture. There has been particular interest in Hurling as the fastest field sport in the world, its history can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Celts and what makes it stand out is that with such a chequered history, the Irish have managed to preserve, cultivate, share and export the game all over the world. The unique nature and excitement of the game is a very strong and attractive draw for overseas travellers.”

 

Gaelic sports have been a growing part of the tourist offering for the past few years and visitors to Ireland can now purchase GAA match tickets in local tourist information offices. Overseas tour operators are also now involved with specialised Gaelic sports activity providers like ‘Go Gaelic’, Experience Gaelic Games and the Kilkenny Way in developing packages to suit visitors to learn about and receive basic coaching in the games. There are also 400 GAA clubs outside Ireland who also are involved in promoting Irish music and traditions and are involved in celebrating St Patrick’s Day locally – thereby cultivating curiosity and interest in the sports overseas.