Carrick Davins recently won an under-12 hurling title in Tipperary. The Man of the Match for the game was Sultan Mahmud Sabbir, originally from Bangladesh.
Sultan is one of many children to benefit from the relationship between the GAA club and Bridgewater House, a direct provision centre in Carrick-on-Suir.
"Hurling is so special," Sultan told RTÉ News.
"When you play a game, you feel like you're in a county final. At first, when I started playing I had one or two friends but then learned to know different people, different cultures and I felt happy."
The connection between Carrick Davins and Bridgewater House was established more than a decade ago.
"Noreen Robinson here in the club decided when all the kids in direct provision started coming into the town, that we'd try to bring the kids up to the club and integrate them into the community," said Willie O'Dwyer, a coach with Davins.
"By doing that, it helps out not only ourselves in terms of numbers but it's us doing our part for the community, helping these kids out."
Carrick Davins claim county success with help from Direct Provision centre, reports @LawlorDamian #RTEGAA #RTESport pic.twitter.com/BjuFeqdS8c
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) October 19, 2020
Martina Walsh is the Community Liaison Officer with the centre.
"It opened 19 years ago," she said.
"Since then, when families arrive, I get the kids involved in sport straight away. It's just a great way of integrating them.
"In direct provision, it is tough on them being inside. Being outside in fresh air and meeting people, sport is just so good."
Quiz: Name Every 2020 County Football Champion Crowned Thus Far
