January has been the month of love for footballers in Fermanagh, it appears, as three NFC Kesh players have scored marriage proposals.
Back of the net
Jake Irvine, Josh Flack and David Smith each recently popped the big question, with their respective partners — Sian Shields, Melissa Keys and Michelle Elliott — all saying “Yes”.
Sian Shields and Jake Irvine; Josh Flack and Melissa Keys; David Smith and Michelle Elliott (Image: Kesh NFC FB)
A spokesperson for the Fermanagh and Western League club shared images of the three delighted couples on social media, stating: “The club would like to congratulate three senior players who recently tested the hamstrings by getting down on one knee.
“Wishing you all the best for the future, and happy planning!”
GAA Palestine marks first match
With a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas now underway after 15 months of terror and violence, GAA Palestine — run by many volunteers from across the island of Ireland, as well as Palestine and the UK — saw its first ever hurling match take place this month.
The first official GAA Palestine group meeting took place on January 16, and three GAA Palestine volunteers are currently helping to build the Motaz Sarsour GAA club in Ramallah, which was set up in August last year.
GAA Palestine
The ceasefire deal aims to bring a permanent end to the fighting and to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
GAA Palestine hopes to introduce Gaelic games to the children of the area, to help provide the young people with a supportive environment away from the turmoil of conflict.
The organisation is continuing to host hurling camps in Bethlehem, Tulkarem and Al- Khalil (Hebron), where new GAA clubs are to be built soon.
Journey into Ireland’s past
A new video game, released last Friday, is taking its participants on a “short, dreamlike experience where you embark on a metaphysical journey into Ireland’s subconscious past”.
Titled ‘Benign Land’, this mystical walking simulator was actually initially commissioned as an art installation in Belfast, but its creator, Leandros Ntolas, has now taken it one step further, as an online encounter for anyone to experience.
Snapshot of ‘Benign Land’
The creator adds: “Drift through and explore haunting scenes from pagan times to recent historical events, revolving around the Troubles of Northern Ireland.”
The concept has been inspired by local literary legends, such as Seamus Heaney, and also takes players on a “dreamlike journey” through meticulously crafted scenes reflecting Irish history, including the Famine, as well as the recent Troubles.
Benign Land launched on STEAM, a digital platform for buying, paying and discussing PC games.