There is so much scope to expand Gaelic games in China and throughout Asia

There is so much scope to expand Gaelic games in China and throughout Asia

28 August 2024

A LOCAL man has been made an honorary professor at a prestigious university in China.

Since 2012, Seán Cunningham (40), from Edendarriff, has been working in China, assimilating to a new culture, fully embraced becoming fluent in Mandarin – and promoting Gaelic games.

Becoming a professor at the Hubei Normal University in central China where he works, Seán, a GAA fanatic and a club member of St John’s GAC, has been promoting Gaelic football and hurling in several Chinese universities and played a part in strengthening Chinese/Irish relations. 

To mark his contribution and increasing enthusiasm for Gaelic games in China, the university which has strong links to Ulster University, held a ceremony for Seán in which he became a professor. 

“I was absolutely shocked,” Seán said.

“I’ve loved working in China, especially because I’m promoting sports I am passionate about and been involved with for most of my life.

“I’ve spent the best years of my life in China. Every year I say to my family I’ll do another year in China, but I’ve been saying that for nearly nine years now.

On learning about being made an honorary professor, Seán said: “I was humbled when I got the news,” Seán added. 

“I was proud for my family. They have supported me so much throughout my career.”

“It was unexpected news for everyone and that made the ceremony all the more special.”

While Seán’s parents weren’t able to attend the ceremony he was joined by the director of the Confucius Institute at Ulster University, Dr Yan Liu, who helps oversee the relationship between the two universities.

“It’s a flourishing relationship between the two universities,” Seán explained.

“I was initially only suppose to go out to China for one academic year, but that year was such an enriching experience that I’ve been there since.”

Since moving to China, Seán has taught oral English to students and played a part in helping to establish new GAA clubs in provinces where he has worked. There are currently 11 GAA clubs in China. 

“There is so much scope to expand Gaelic games in China and throughout Asia,” Seán explained.

Admire

“The students I have taught have really taken to hurling and camogie. Their eye to hand coordination is something to admire and you can tell this type of technique has been developed and refined in their sports curriculum – Chinese competitors have always excelled in sports such as ping pong and badminton. 

“Gaelic football is a much more physical and robust sport compared to what they’re use to, but the students love the challenge it presents.” 

This year marks the 45th anniversary since Ireland and China established diplomatic relations. In 2019, Seán organised a special exhibition game where his Chinese students played against his home club St John’s at Croke Park.

“It was an incredible event,” Seán recalled. “It was covered by the Irish press and Chinese media, ensuring it reached a huge audience. To see 

what it meant for the students – it was amazing.

“There was a student of mine who scored a winning goal and he described it as one of the best days of his life. He still talks about it to this day – it was a privilege to help coach these students and see them have such a great time in Ireland.”

As well as organising the event in Croke Park, Seán helped raise the profile of hurling by organising a Poc Fada on the Great Wall of China that same year.

“That’s an experience I will never forget,” he continued. “To have hurling being played on one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, it was surreal.

“I have a great rapport with my students, stemming from my respect for their culture and their respect for mine,” Seán added.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have a job which both enriches my life and the life of my students.”