Visiting dignitaries do two things when they come to Ireland: drink Guinness and try their hands at a bit of GAA. We will leave the rankings of their ability to put away a pint of the black stuff for another day, but how do they stack up when it comes to making an impact on the pitch?
We have have taken a look at some of their efforts over the years, which had wildly varying levels of success. We also threw in a few Irish politicians to see how they fared. The results may surprise you...
12. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China
The football technique isn't the worst we've seen, but it's clear the man has never picked up a hurl in his life. The one-handed grip certainly hasn't caught on.
11. Queen Silvia of Sweden
Queen Silvia visited GAA headquarters with her husband, King Carl XVI Gustaf, in May of last year.
She is perhaps aided by the stationary ball, but actually using both hands on the hurl moves her above Xi Jinping for us.
10. Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard
Wouldn't be a man to field high ball in the middle of the park with that technique anyway.
9. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
A big fan of the sport, Bertie Ahern leaves a lot to be desired here. Far too rigid, he also boldly opted to go with the outside of the boot on occasion.
We wouldn't want him standing over a vital free.
8. Alem Gebreyohannes Tedla, Ethiopian Ambassador to Ireland
Hands are gripped a bit too high, but not a bad effort. Does seem to lack a bit of aggression in attacking the loose ball.
7. An Taosieach (just about) Leo Varadkar
Leo Varadkar places higher on this list than we originally would have anticipated. He has a decent grip here, eyes firmly on the ball.
Probably wouldn't be great all the same.
6. Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Dr. Yue Xiaoyong
We're getting into the serious contenders now. This is picture book technique from the Chinese Ambassador, he looks like he could pick out a man from 80 yards.
He could teach a thing or two to his president.
5. Former United States of America Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O’Malley
A lovely stooping action, Ambassador O'Malley certainly wasn't afraid to bend his back and get over the ball.
Lee Chin definitely seems impressed.
4. The Duke of Edinburgh
Look, we can't see in this picture if Philip is actually up to anything, but he just has the look of a hurler about him.
Definitely a lad to throw in at centre forward and watch him pull strings, just don't ask him to 'drive' it.
3. Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny
Mayo could do with him. He could teach Bertie a thing or two, with this effort a wonderfully executed kick in difficult footwear.
Imagine what he could do with a pair of boots on him. James Horan could certainly do worse than giving him a look in training.
2. Former US President Barack Obama
#TBT to when Obama was introduced to #hurling in 2011. He joked to use it on Congress to "give them a little hurl" if they misbehave. #GAA pic.twitter.com/47Sg7kbNOo
— Play Hurling (@playhurling) November 17, 2016
A lovely wristy hurler, would put most of us to shame.
1. The Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge
Not bad from Cáit Mainistir na Corannhttps://t.co/xnLQXnhUJo
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 5, 2020
What a two-man full forward line this would be. William and Kate would be very nippy inside on the inside line, capable of making an impact in both codes. You would imagine they would be targeted by opposition defenders, however.
Should we really be surprised by their talents? After all, it does run in the family...
Fair play to Prince Harry for giving up his time with the royal family to pursue his dream of playing the inter-county GAA. pic.twitter.com/ieGTlWbXBR
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) January 25, 2020
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