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09th Mar 2016

VIDEO: Inspirational Iraqi teenager reveals how hurling helped him cope with bullying

Kevin McGillicuddy

Sport is the great leveller.

It does not care what colour or creed you are.

It is all about ability, and always should be.

And it is a message that has helped Abdullah Aljumaili, or Bonner Ó Loingsigh, settle into life in Ireland since 2008.

He and his family moved here from Iraq and, thanks to his love of hurling, and his wonderful attitude, he has flourished here.

In a moving video shared on the Hurling Craic Facebook page, the youngster admits sport is what kept him sane when he was being bullied.

He details hows he took up hurling but almost quit after only playing five minutes in his first game.

However, he kept at it, kept practising, and now loves the game.

He also movingly speaks about how hurling helped him cope with bullies and taught him to ignore criticism and maintain his passion in life.

‘Bonnar’ is a massive Clare hurling fan, and Colin Lynch, All-Ireland winner with the Banner in 1997, is his idol.

How Hurling Helped Me

Here is a video by Abdullah Aljumaili (Bonner O Loingsigh ) .Such an inspirational ! – JR

Posted by Hurling craic page on Monday, 7 March 2016

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