Dublin GAA and sponsors AIG have announced hurler Abood Al Jumaili, aka Bonnar Ó Loinsigh, as their first ever Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
The Ballinteer St John’s clubman has taken up the new role to help the organisation spread Gaelic games across all of Dublin’s minority and religious communities.
Al Jumaili, who moved to Ballinteer from Iraq as a child and fell in love with the hurl and sliotar, has chosen the slogan ‘Stronger Together’ (‘maean ‘aqwaa’ in Arabic) to spearhead the new campaign.
His work will build on extensive progress the GAA have made in promoting diversity and inclusion in Ireland’s biggest sporting association.
Leitrim’s hurlers displayed the ‘No To Racism’ message on their shirts in 2021 after teaming up with the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI).
Sporting organisations across codes in Ireland have taken a lead role in ensuring that sport is inclusive and representative of Ireland’s rich diversity.
Bohemians’ away strip for the 2020 season contained the message ‘Refugees Welcome’ and both they and Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers regularly welcome people in Direct Provision to league games.
As the largest sporting association in the state, the GAA is uniquely positioned to promote a diverse and inclusive atmosphere and it’s a responsibility Dublin GAA have taken seriously.
“I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed as a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador with AIG,” announced Al Jumaili.
“For AIG’s Diversity and Inclusion campaign, I chose the slogan of “Stronger Together”, with the Arabic translation too ( معاً أقوى - pronunciation: maean 'aqwaa).
“[It’s] a slogan which will be used by AIG and Dublin GAA to emphasise the importance of community, diversity, inclusion and integration. Stronger Together on and off the GAA field!
“I look forward to working with my colleagues at AIG and Dublin GAA - now that’s lovely hurling!”
