'I'd like to bring all the Kerry players out there,' says hurling manager of charity trip to Kenya

Players from 14 counties made the week-long trip and also took part in a series of Gaelic Games with local sports stars.

Organised by Self Help Africa and former Galway GAA player Alan Kerins, the trip is part of a drive to plant One Million Trees in Africa, each year.

They also got to meet the famous Brother Colm O'Connell a missionary and athletics coach, known as 'The Godfather of Kenyan running'.

John Griffin described it as the “trip of a lifetime”.

“I got the opportunity to go with Alan Kerins and I am always curious to learn about other countries, and cultures and also to help raise funds for a charity” he said.

“You can easily get back to your own life when you come home, but I hope I can bring some of my experience of Kenya into my work and take a moment to appreciate everything I have”.

He was joined in Kenya by other GAA stars including Kate Kennedy and Caoimhe Costello from Limerick as well as Ciara Grogan from Clare and Emma Murphy from Cork.

“We got to train with the Kenyan athletics and visits schools there” he said. “I was honoured to meet Brother Colm O’Connell; you can say what you like about science and apps and all of the gadgets used in training but his way of training is the best in the world - it is just down to simplicity and hard work.

“We trained with some of his champions, you see them there in the Olympics, but then in Kenya it’s a simple track.

“I felt deeply privileged to sit in a room with him during a questions and answers session at a school and to hear him speak, his delivery, his understanding of sport, you could hear a pin drop.

“There are no fancy facilities there, its basics, but it’s the way he treats his athletes too, he keeps it so simple.

The group were also there to help raise awareness of climate change and global warming in Africa.

“The main reason we were there was to plant trees, in various communities” he continued. And to see the impact of that, and how much it helps the communities, and to build some stoves for people in their homes, it was an incredible trip."

John who started training with the Kerry team this week said he would like to bring his players to Kenya some day to see life there and to appreciate “all we have.” 

“It’s a real-life lesson and one that grounds you” he said. “I’d love to get every player over there at some stage.

“It is easy to fall back into the old pattern, but we should always check in with ourselves and take action where it is needed.

“We give out about the small things, but then you see people over there, they have very little but life a simple life.

“It is good to take time and reflect.” He added that he is looking forward to a good year ahead with his new team.

“There has been a good response so far” he said. “We have a new team, new players, and this is something I wanted to do manage Kerry, I would have played a lot myself, I’ve a good feel for the club scene in Kerry.

“I am familiar with the group of players, the challenges and all the different personalities, and I’ve to bring them together and hopefully have a good year.”