Is this the first Iraqi to win a hurling medal in Ireland?

The GAA’s attempt at world domination continues, with Iraq the latest far-flung place to produce a medal winning hurler.

The South Kerry JH League Final was played over the weekend and those stalwarts of Kerry GAA, Austin Stacks, took the title beating East Kerry 2-8 to 0-6 at Connolly Park. A great achievement for the Tralee club but why are we bringing it to you? The reason is that Tralee native John McCarthy sent us this great picture on Facebook concerning one of the members of the team. Hayder Hashim Abdulsada is, according to John at least, the first Iraqi to win a hurling medal in Ireland (front row, five from the left). If he is, that is some achievement and yet another sign that the greatest game on earth is open to all comers. As for the message on the picture, well, it just had to be done, right? Fair play to Hayder, and Austin Stacks. Next stop a run out for the Kerry hurlers…