Champion hurler from Iraq visits Laois school
Students got hurling tips from Zak Moradi during a coaching session at Timahoe NS
IT’S not every day a champion hurler from Iraq visits a Laois primary school, so there was huge excitement when Zak Moradi arrived at Timahoe NS to relate his extraordinary life story.
A former inter-county hurler with Leitrim, Zak spent his childhood living in a Kurdish refugee camp and is passionate about refugee awareness.
Born in Ramadi, Iraq on the day the Gulf War began in January 1991, Zak was only 11 when he and his family fled the camp and eventually settled in Carrick-on-Shannon. He played competitive hurling at juvenile and underage levels and went on to join the Leitrim senior team, which won the 2019 Lory Meagher Cup in Croke Park.
Timahoe NS principal Michael McEvoy said the school was proud to host a screening of Zak’s emotional and inspiring documentary titled HOME. Pupils from third to sixth class gathered in the school hall on 20 May to watch an edited version of the film, which explores themes of migration, displacement and the search for belonging through community and the GAA.
The students were deeply engaged and had many thoughtful questions during the Q&A session afterwards. They were particularly struck by Zak’s experiences growing up in a refugee camp and were curious about how he adapted to life in Ireland, including learning English and taking up hurling.
The 35-year-old spoke honestly and warmly about his experiences, reminding children how fortunate they are and sharing the message that a happy life is often a simple one, built on healthy living, playing sport and showing kindness to others.
To the delight of students, he also took to the school pitch afterwards to share some hurling tips with the boys and girls, making the experience even more special. He also signed countless autographs on everything from hurleys to notebooks, as well as copies of his acclaimed book ‘Life Begins in Leitrim: From Kurdistan to Croke Park’.
Mr McEvoy said: “Zak’s journey from a refugee camp in Iraq to playing hurling for Leitrim in Croke Park was truly inspiring.
“Teachers and staff were equally moved and impressed by Zak’s story and the powerful messages he shared. It was a day to remember for everyone in Timahoe NS.”
