Kilkenny has a new world champion following GAA World Games

John Lockes and Callan can this week boast that they have a world champion after star hurler Owen McGrath was part of the Middle East hurling team who lifted the Owenbeg Cup at the GAA World Games last weekend.

The games, which were held in Derry and drew teams from all over the world, such as Australasia, Cambodia, Asia, Benelux and many more.

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Seventy-five percent of the players participating were natives of their own countries, highlighting how Gaelic games are being spread throughout the world.

The Cambodian story is very interesting. Some months ago, while listening to national radio, there was a documentary about Gaelic games and particularly in Cambodia.

It told of how a group of people became infatuated with hurling while watching YouTube clips on hurling and from YouTube learned how to play hurling.

Their journey to Derry was not simple as they had to make their own way with little resources and applying for passports was difficult, but they got there.

For Owen McGrath the journey was easier, but just as rewarding.

Owen moved to Dubai some years ago to work and became involved in the GAA out there.

Owen was, for many years, a leader of the John Lockes team and has brought those qualities to the Middle East team.

Well done Owen on a great achievement.