Sunday the 25th of June will live long in our memories and will provide positivity for us for many's a year. 10 players from the Naomh Ólaf's Social Hurling group were invited by Croke Park, to feature in half time fun games to help promote the Healthy Club Social Games. 8 of us travelled in on the Luas with a couple of families in tow. We picked up the remainder and a few more supporters at Croke Park. To a man we were either giddy with excitement or numb with nerves. Was this actually happening? How many of us harboured childhood dreams of running out onto Croke Park? How many of us thinking that we were long past achieving that? Thank God for Social Hurling! We were escorted through the turnstiles and to a seating area. We got to watch Antrim vs Meath in the Tailteann Cup Semi final. At the end of the game, we were ushered from the stands, down to pitch side and through to the tunnel below. We were to get kitted out, go back up to the seated area and wait for another signal near the midway point of the Down v Laois first half. As we came out of the tunnel to go back to our seats, thunder roared and lightening flashed. Nature's pryotechnics providing us with an unbelievable pitch side welcome. We numbly took our seats, trying to absorb every detail of the day and experience. Back down to the tunnel we went, at the allotted signal. Our hearts pounding. It was going to happen! A quick few warm up exercises in the tunnel. One last piece of advice from the Croke Park staff 'Start playing as soon as possible, the ref will signal he's back on the pitch and you'll be taken off soon enough'. We ran onto the pitch, looking around the stadium, scoring the crowd and etching the feeling into our memories. These will not be lost. Within our team, 9 counties were represented: Antrim, Carlow, Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford. All Ólaf's men. The game started quickly and was over too fast but my God what a game, experience and privilege. The nerves disappeared with the first step onto the grass, replaced with a willingness to ensure the experience was enjoyed and appreciated. The result was irrelevant, it was the experience and achievement that mattered. We were there to represent Social Hurling and to try to showcase the activity in front of the widest audience possible. We all got our touch during the game. Some more than others. We all got involved in passing and tackling. We all made our mark. We all will had something positive to take away from the game, a flick, a block, a pass, a save, a strike, a solo - all these took place on the Croke Park pitch. Performed by a bunch of 40+ year olds. We wore the Ólaf colours with pride. Families cheered us on with pride and tears. Our teammates, history makers, the first group of Social Hurlers to play at Croke Park. Pretty good going, for the group only started in 2019. The group has a small history but we're making our presence felt. Social Hurling @ Naomh Ólaf GAA ClubIf you're interested or curious, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome, some running around and a good bit of craic. Any and no experience welcome. Friday nights, 8pm on the club pitches.Contact Us