Puck explores the incredible impact that the Irish have made on Hockey.
The story is presented by Irish sporting legend Ger Loughnane, an icon in the national sport of hurling.
He explores the links between the Irish and Canada’s national obsession – Hockey.
Canada is passionate about hockey just as the Irish are passionate about hurling. As Ger travelled across Canada the bond between the sports became evident to him: “When I watch hockey, I can see the links to hurling. The passion, the skill and the stick work, the commitment of the players, it’s clear to me that the sports are connected.” Ger isn’t alone in his thinking.
Hockey legend Brendan Shanahan agrees “I can see some sense to the theory that hockey has roots in hurling. The attributes between the athletes are very similar.”
In Windsor, Nova Scotia, Ger uncovers the fascinating link between his sport of hurling and the birth of hockey. His journey across eastern Canada reveals that the sport the Irish helped develop also provided the Irish with the opportunity to grow in Canadian society. After the Famine, the Irish were mainly in the slums but success in hockey provided a gateway for the Irish to progress in Canadian society. Irish teams such as the Montreal Shamrocks claimed the Stanley Cup while Irish players such as Harry Trihey, Frank McGee and King Clancy became adored across Canada. Ger discovers the strong Irish heritage of the Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs and examines how the Irish legacy is remembered today.
The documentary is a fascinating insight into how the Irish integrated into Canadian society through Canada’s national game, a game in which the Irish were essential in creating and developing. As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday this documentary presents an opportunity to highlight the role of immigrants in making Canada the country it is today.
“Puck of the Irish” is showing at Toronto Irish Film Festival on Friday March 3rd. Check www.toirishfilmfest.com for details.
The Documentary is directed by Éamonn Ó Cualáin and produced by Éamonn Ó Cualáin and Sam Kingston of Fócas Films.
