You’ll hear people who play the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling call it “the most skillful game in the world."

And with the birth of an ambitious new community club in the East End of the city, there’s every chance for anyone who fancies the challenge to get involved.

As Scotland’s newest Gaelic Athletic Association team, Ceann Creige Hurling and Camogie Club is proud to combine its Craigend birthplace with the sport’s Irish roots.

Following its launch four months ago, 30 children are attending youth hurling each week in Craigend and has set grounds for the ladies’ camogie team, which trains every Wednesday evening at Glasgow Green.

The club’s vice chair, Jeanette Findlay, explained the benefits the club aims to bring to the community: “Ceann Creige Hurling and Camogie Club will play such an important role in the East End.

“It spreads Irish culture and sport in an area which has not always had its presence, but is a fantastic resource for local parents who want their children to be engaged in sport and be part of a good friendly club.”

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With origins dating back more than 4,000 years, hurling shares its roots with shinty, the popular Gaelic team sport played in Scotland. The female variant, camogie, is played by women only and is almost identical in its rules.

While Ceann Creige is the newest GAA club in Glasgow, collectively its coaches and members have more than 35 years experience of running hurling and camogie clubs in Scotland and Ireland.

At a recent camogie training session at Glasgow Green, members shared just why their club and the sport are that little bit different and special.

Coach Sarah Jane McGeown, who is originally from Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, said: “Being part of the club has been life-changing for me in Glasgow, as I came here and didn’t really know anybody. I came along to camogie and made instant friends.

“I’ve got into coaching the young ones, which is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s one of those sports that you get involved in, and you like it and what it does for people. With camogie, it’s very social, with people coming in and being able to both find friends and get fit.”

Travelling from Ardrossan with her young daughter Eimear, Nicola Convery has been attending camogie training every week since the club’s launch.

Sharing why she makes the weekly commitment, Nicola said: “It’s a great sport. I really enjoy the physical side of it. You’ve got to be in shape to play it, so it’s a good way to stay fit.

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“I can bring Eimear along and they let her join in. The girls here are so nice. When I first came they were so friendly and welcoming.”

In terms of the future, Nicola added: “I’d like to see in the next couple of years the sport developing into more teams and a competitive league in Glasgow.”

Taking on the role of a new coach in the youth hurling team, Allan McLaughlin, along with his son Ben have enjoyed their connection to the sport and club.

Allan said: “Ben has been playing hurling for the past two years, which he loves. He didn’t seem to take much interest in any other clubs – football, swimming and judo – but he really enjoys being part of this club, which I truly believe is down to the fabulous coaches and the great bunch of kids that attend.” With plans to expand those steady foundations, the club is looking for businesses in the East End interested in becoming sponsors.

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Aiming to build stronger foundations for all ages and genders, club chairman Liam Luporini said: “The only thing missing is a pathway for our young boys. There’s interest there, though. We just hope that, with our new club structure and the support we will offer, we can bring that interest to life.”

He added: “We’d like to express our gratitude to the parents of our players and the East End community who have been so supportive of what we’re trying to achieve.”

“We have also made fantastic links with the local schools and can’t thank them enough for their support”.

To find out more, or to contact Ceann Creige Hurling and Camogie Club, follow the club’s Facebook page.