Tom Haran

Tom Haran talks about the local GAA scene in his native Grange in Sligo. When he was younger the GAA was not particularly strong in the area, but thanks to certain influential people - priests, teachers and locals - it gradually began to gain a foothold. Tom did not come from a GAA family but he himself had an interest and associated with others who did. They played in the local field, cycled to watch games, listened to big matches on the radio and collected at the gates at grounds all over Connacht. Soon the GAA was popular in the area and in the schools, and the coaching side became more organised and that made a big difference. Tom was also heavily involved in Scór, and he tells of how they got people involved originally. It was quite popular in the area and they enjoyed some success at All-Ireland level. For Tom Scór is a vital aspect of the GAA experience, which to him is all about enjoying and contributing to one's own native culture.