The 2011 Rugby World Cup may be over, but interest in the Haka lives on in the Bower. Tommy Rickard, pre-service teacher in the University of Limerick, currently teaching in Our Lady’s Bower, explains that the dance curriculum includes examining other cultures through the medium of music and movement. Ritual dances, such as the Haka, are not only studied, but learned by the girls, who are then encouraged to create their own Haka, reflecting elements of Irish culture.
For the performance of this dance, Tommy invited popular Connacht back rower George Naoupu to speak to his second years about the meaning of the cultural dances of the Pacific islands. George performed the Ka Mate Haka for the girls, who responded with their own Haka. Ciara Egan and Jennifer Boland read a passage about the significance of the ritual while George explained its origins As a sports or dance exercise, the Haka has certain benefits for students; that of opening the minds to another culture, exploring creativity in dance, and encouraging cooperation and team-building. So, for these reasons, and because of Athlone’s strong interest in rugby, classes are participating with huge enthusiasm.
George has signed a two year contract with Connacht after a season with the Kobe Steelers in Japan. He was accompanied on this visit by his wife Sene, and Mele Kiripati, wife of Kolo Kiripati, captain of the Buccaneers senior team. The visit was a great success and George has expressed interest in returning to the Bower with some members of the Connacht Squad to take Irish dancing lessons from the Bower girls!
