The possibilities of a pandemic…

Natural Connection
We recently saw an article written by Mr Declan Rooney where Aisling Clifford is interviewed about the way in which Covid-19 seems to have brought people together in a way that has not been seen for some time. The natural connection between a sport club with strong cultural overtones and familial connection being immediately made. Many Irish people talk about their families a lot and as a non- Irish member, it has been incumbent upon me to notice that this is an overwhelming feature of Irish culture and identity.

It is difficult to relate, at points, for someone who is not close to their immediate family. I myself have had a very chequered connection with my parents and was quite literally saved from having very few familial connections by a Grandmother who was as near enough to an angel on earth as you could find, having decided to raise me with my grandfather after my own parents did not get off to a good start. However, this begs the question- How do those who are not close to their families cope in times of crises? Who do they naturally turn to? Like many others I am in my early 30s and have not started a family of my own, but neither am I close to those who many people are i.e. parents and siblings. Out of experience this can make normal life difficult, let alone in a pandemic.

Social Cohesive Gold
A US study found that this is not a large group of people only around 17% of the population. The difficulties that led to family estrangement can make these people less likely to trust others, not more. However, trust at some point they must, as well as seek connection and meaning. Social cohesion and social efficacy have meant that these people will seek out other groups. At times this can lead to nefarious friend and relationship choices or an underworld of organised criminal groups whom youngsters can be particularly vulnerable to if there is lack of healthy familial connection. On the other hand, they may also find belonging in organisations such as charitable works, music groups and bands, cultural groups, the military and sport.
Gaelic football is like many a mix, but I believe unique its blend of culture, language and sport. It is difficult being a natural outsider to work out which is more important within a club. But what all of these groups bring, is a piece of social cohesive gold- the ability to form the social bonds for those who are away from their families or who naturally will never be alive to the ones living.

No Longer a Game
Clubs such as Holloway Gaels provide informal networks through which people can connect and feel part of something that is positive and serve to provide a plethora of outlets. Socially, these places can offer a whole new way to connect with likeminded people and for others to learn about a new culture and sport. Fitness wise, they serve as a way to work out other than the gym. Last but certainly not least, these organisations in austerity Britain can almost be groups of social development and safety nets. From mental health hotlines to funds to help people to get back home to see loved ones to simply interacting outside of your home, gaelic football and Holloway Gaels is no longer simply a game.

These places have now become the invisible social thread that starts when formal threads end. The pandemic has possibly opened many people’s eyes up to what these places have become, or in the case of Holloway Gaels what they have always been, but we now see them more clearly for what they are. Without the horrors of Covid-19 we, and especially new members to the Gaels, may not have ever truly realised this. The pandemic has made us consider what Holloway Gaels and their ilk could mean to people. Rather than taking this for granted it behoves us all to see what further possibilities could arise.

​Written by: Jasmine Morgan