Photobook project / UNITY IN PLAY: COLUMBUS GAELIC
Note: the layout is not final and there will be some changes until the publication.
ABOUT:
During the summer of 2024, I did a documentary photography project in which I followed the training sessions of the Columbus Gaelic team for several weeks.
This Gaelic football and Hurling team is made up of migrants who are arriving in Ireland and want to get involved in sporting activities and meet new people.
This sports project is an initiative of Emilio Piccione and Marianella Oropeza to bring migrants closer to Irish culture through integration and active participation in Irish-only sports.
This documentary project is part of my dissertation work for my Masters degree in Journalism and Media at Griffith College Dublin.
Through a collection of images, this book explores their training sessions as well as their participation in matches against other GAA schools.
As well as their diverse backgrounds, the images show their passion for learning more about Irish culture, particularly through these sports so characteristic of the Emerald Isle.
The book captures the beginnings of Columbus, its early members and some of their struggles for integration and acceptance within the Irish sporting community.
The story of each player's journey to the team highlights the cultural and social barriers they faced, as well as the personal stories of overcoming and resilience.
THE BOOK:
The photobook is structured along a narrative arc that mirrors the immigrant experience within the context of sport. It begins with images of anticipation and preparation as the players gear up for training.
The narrative then progresses through moments of intense physical exertion, strategic collaboration, and the emotional highs and lows of competition. As the players gain confidence and a sense of belonging within the team, the images reflect their growing connection to their new community.
The book culminates in a celebration of their first match against an established Irish team, a symbolic milestone in their journey towards integration and acceptance. The final images highlight the power of the GAA to foster cultural exchange and create a sense of community that transcends national borders.
Note: the layout is not final and there will be some changes until the publication.
Through this book, readers will not only discover the world of Gaelic football from a new perspective but will also be immersed in the lives of immigrants who use sport to find a sense of belonging and community in their new home.
The Columbus team thus becomes a symbol of sport's ability to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting values of inclusion, solidarity, and respect.
