Áine Hourican interview for St.Brigid’s GAA

1. What motivated you to play GAA?
My family, in particular my parents, played a significant role in encouraging me to play both camogie and Gaelic football. Like many others, I grew up in a household with a routine that involved watching matches, travelling to support my parents’ clubs in Cavan, and tuning into the Sunday Game Live every week. Being the daughter of a GAA-themed publican, I had the opportunity to meet players at both county and club level who dedicated hours of their time to playing the sport of our heritage. Interacting with these players and witnessing the pride they held in representing their club or county inspired me to do the same.

“My parents will always be my biggest inspiration”

2. Reflect on your memories of training and playing in St.Brigid’s
I began playing for St. Brigid’s by joining the nursery team at 5 years old. I was often one of the few girls, and sometimes the only one in the sessions. Walking to and from practice with my neighbours and sharing rides to matches are some of my favourite memories of training. Between training up to four times a week between camogie and football plus matches on the weekends, most of my childhood was spent at St. Brigid’s. Winning games was an incredible feeling, and the celebrations after finals are some of my fondest memories. During camogie games, we would often be given orange slices and Haribos at halftime for energy. Some of the motivational speeches from captains and mentors still resonate with me today. Like every other team, there was also a great buzz of excitement when getting new gear. Even now, I wear the red and white of St. Brigid’s with pride.

3. What are your proudest achievements to date?
I have been very fortunate to have achieved success in both camogie and football with St. Brigid’s teams. My parents, especially my mother, played a significant role in these milestones. Any significant moment in my life has always been for them, not for me.

My mother managed my football team for several years during my time at St. Brigid’s. One of my fondest memories is winning the U14 Division 2 Féile. We were considered underdogs for that tournament. I vividly remember being subbed on for the last few moments of the final. When the whistle blew, I remember sprinting over to my mother and giving her the biggest hug. She dedicated a lot of hours to organising games and training sessions for us. The win was for her, not just for us. I was so proud to see her with the trophy.

At U16, my mother managed her last game with us, as a team we wanted to ensure that she stepped from her position as manager with a memorable moment. Her last game as manager was in South Dublin, we went in with no expectations of winning that final. The tables turned and I remember the game being neck and neck, I scored one of the final goals of the game, and thankfully we emerged victorious with a leading scoreboard. To this day, I can still vividly recall my mother’s scream from across the pitch when my score went into the back of the net.

Ann Hourican steps down as team manager following a triumphant win in Skerries.

Along with my mother, my father has always been my pillar of support and inspiration. Despite his busy schedule, he made sure to attend my games whenever possible, and those were the moments I cherished the most. From a young age, I watched other GAA clubs bring silverware into our family’s pub, The Boar’s Head. Witnessing other clubs and teams celebrate these victorious wins fueled a deep-seated desire within me to experience that same joy. I made a promise to myself that one day, my teammates and I would proudly walk through those doors with our own silverware.

In August 2020, we achieved a significant victory by clinching a junior title in football. Having both my parents present at the game and being able to celebrate our win at my father’s pub felt like the fulfilment of a long-held promise. Making my parents proud has always been my foremost aspiration.

St.Brigid’s GAA girls celebrate their victorious win in The Boar’s Head Pub Dublin

4. How have you managed to work / sport life balance?
I’ve been fortunate to have never had major issues balancing work and sports. Currently, I work from 9 AM to 5 PM, and train from 7 to 8 in the evening. One summer, I was working night shifts at a retail store. I used to attend training and leave early to make it to work on time. My teammates were very understanding. Even if I couldn’t attend the full session, I would go for as much of the session as I could, and they appreciated that. If on a rare occasion, I can’t make training, I will get a workout in on my own time. I want to put in the effort not just for myself, but for my team.

5. How have friends influenced your player pathway to date?
My friends and teammates have had a significant influence on my journey as a player. Both on and off the field, my teammates have been among my greatest supporters. During tough training sessions and challenging sprints, they always encouraged me to persevere. Even outside of sports, my teammates have always been there for me, especially in my personal life. When I decided to move to New York, the girls were incredibly supportive. On my last game for St. Brigid’s, my teammates threw a surprise party for me, with some close friends presenting me with an NYC-themed cake. Several of the girls have visited me in New York multiple times. Although I don’t have any sisters, I consider my St. Brigid’s teammates to be like sisters for life.

St.Brigid’s GAA take New York City – January 2021
(L-R) Sarah Waldron, Alannah Walsh, Áine Hourican, Mia Murray, Amy Fitzpatrick and Sarah Nyhan

6. What motivates you to continue training?
Playing GAA not only helps me stay fit and healthy, but also keeps me connected to the Irish heritage. Living away from family and friends can be tough, but being surrounded by others in a similar situation makes living abroad a bit easier. The rush of adrenaline that comes with winning a match is incredibly satisfying. I’m always chasing that feeling and eager to share it with my teammates.

7. What aspects of training do you enjoy / not enjoy?
My teammates will agree that running laps on the field and doing sprints are not my strong suits. However, I enjoy any drill that involves teamwork and working with the ball. Working in a team motivates me to give my best. If I can’t do it for myself, I want to do it for my teammates.

Áine and her fellow teammates pictured at her last game for St. Brigid’s in August of 2021
“Both on and off the field, my teammates have been my biggest supporters. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I would be today”

8. Has playing sport helped you transition into work life?
My involvement in the world of GAA has significantly impacted my career and has led me to pursue my dream job. I earned a BA in media studies and marketing from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and also studied abroad at Fordham University in New York, focusing on journalism and communications. Due to my love for sports and academic background, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that combined both.

Before moving to New York, I worked as the Graphics Coordinator for The Sunday Game Live on RTÉ, which was a major highlight of my career. Since relocating to New York, my media journey to date has included interviewing various New York GAA players for RTÉ Radio, writing articles for the Irish Examiner USA, co-hosting and interviewing guests for The Long Hall podcast, and contributing pieces for GAA.ie as a New York-based reporter. Currently, I am a sideline reporter and presenter for New Logical Sports, a media company that live streams Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby. The amalgamation of my degree and my passion for sports is something that I take immense pride in and thoroughly enjoy. I hope one day to work full-time in media and broadcasting.

Áine interviewing New York Senior hurling captain Darragh Hynes following New York’s win as 2024 Connacht Hurling League Champions

9. What is your match day routine?
On match mornings, I always set an early alarm to make sure I’m mentally and physically prepared. I avoid rushing and ensure I’m not running out the door unprepared. Hydration before and after the game is crucial, so I make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious breakfast.

I enjoy chatting with the girls on the way to the match, those moments are some of my favourites. However, once we arrive at the pitch, it’s all about putting on my game face and focusing. Encouragement is key for teamwork. Whether I’m on the sideline or playing, I always make sure to encourage my teammates and avoid getting angry with them. If we win, we acknowledge the victory and reflect on what tactics worked for us. If we lose, we try not to focus on the loss and consider what we can improve on. Win or lose, we always work together.

10. How do you manage nerves?
On game mornings, I experience a surge of both excitement and nervousness, particularly before important matches or in front of large crowds. Last week, I was called off the bench during a losing game, I felt a surge of anxiety hearing my name called, especially because the scoreboard was not in our favour. I confided in my manager about my apprehension, she reaffirmed that giving it my all is the most anyone can ask for.

Dealing with nerves and anxiety is a major factor in my career. However, I always prepare my notes and do a plentiful supply of research on the days leading up to a game. While I strive not to display nervousness, my friends can sense my anxiety. I always ensure that I have someone I trust with me for support and encouragement. Their belief in me serves as a powerful motivator.

11. From a sporting perspective, how have you found the transition to New York?
Having an interest in the GAA assisted in easing my transition to the Big Apple. While at Fordham University, I joined a co-ed Gaelic football team, which was a unique experience as I was the only Irish native on the team. Some of my teammates had never been to Ireland. However, being part of the team helped me find a sense of balance in the bustling city and made my transition to university much smoother, while also helping me to make new friends.

Fordham University co-ed Gaelic football team

After graduating, I joined O’Donovan Rossa Ladies, a team based in Queens. O’Donovan Rossa Ladies consists of a senior, junior, and social team, with over 120 members across all levels of play. The team chat is like an Irish community, where we share everything from job opportunities, subletting rooms, spare furniture, and tourist recommendations, to even concert tickets. It’s a great resource for any questions about life in New York. I believe every other team chat is very similar.

I was very nervous going to my first training session for both Fordham GAA and O’Donovan Rossa. I didn’t know anyone and was afraid of how intense the sessions would be. Nonetheless, both teams welcomed me with open arms, and their support eased any hesitations I had either on or off the field.

O’Donovan Rossa Junior Ladies New York 2024

12. What is it like being a GAA player in New York?
As a GAA player in one of the largest cities in the world, I feel a strong sense of community and family. It’s like a home away from home. In a city of over 5 million people, it can be easy to feel disconnected, but everyone from players to managers is dedicated to staying connected and supporting one another.

The Irish community in New York is huge, despite the overwhelming amount of Irish people in New York, everyone is always looking out for one another, especially within the GAA. It’s also a point of pride to continue the tradition of Irish sports in one of the largest cities in the world.

13. What is the GAA set up in New York?
The GAA set-up in New York is quite similar to back home, just on a smaller scale. There is a Summer championship and also a Junior B championship in the fall. The teams usually train at either Gaelic Park in the Bronx or Randall’s Island. Depending on where you live, it can take up to an hour to commute to training. The long commute to training highlights the dedication and commitment of everyone to play the sport of our heritage.

The majority of teams train twice a week and play games on the weekends, a similar routine to that found in Ireland; however, in a city as lively as New York, it’s easy to be drawn to other activities such as Broadway shows, sightseeing, and socializing, making it tempting to skip training. Nonetheless, being part of a team like O’Donovan Rossa’s makes it feel effortless and enjoyable to go training, and players from other teams likely feel the same.

Randall’s Island offers a fantastic view of the skyline. We often train next to other hurling, football, or camogie teams. Conversely, when you’re in Gaelic Park, it can feel like you never left Ireland.

The O’Donovan Rossa Ladies training in Randall’s Island

The summer months in New York have a busy schedule for championships. Even when I am not training or playing a match, I find myself following other teams and keeping up to date with other teams. After games in Gaelic Park, everyone goes to McLean Avenue in Woodlawn for post-match celebrations. The bars and shops can be packed with Irish people, creating a sense of never having left home.

To anyone who moves out to New York or moves abroad, my biggest advice is to join a GAA team. Whether you have played your whole life, hung up your boots several years ago, or never kicked a ball before, the community and support provided by a team is truly invaluable.

Even though I have always had a deep admiration for the GAA, living abroad over 3,000 miles away from home has certainly heightened my appreciation for the sport. Whether I’m walking down 5th Ave or heading up to the Bronx, I know that there is a friend or teammate nearby.

Both on and off the field, the GAA has been not only a source of passion and pride, but also a driving force in my career. Combining my passion with my degree is something I thoroughly enjoy, and am very fortunate to experience.

Áine Hourican as match presenter for New Logical Sports.