Tag Archives: Tony McGaharan

by | April 17, 2013 · 2:16 pm

PPI-NI Talks with New Intern, Jose López

Jose Alberto Cuevas López

Jose Alberto Cuevas López

For this week’s post, PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland’s (PPI-NI) Senior Project Coordinator, Tony McGaharan, sits down with new intern, Jose López, to talk about what he’s seen and learned so far. 

Tony: “Jose, how did you end up in Northern Ireland?”

“I’m in Belfast with a job-mobility program called Hercules IV. It’s a good opportunity to improve my language skills and to learn about different cultures.”

Tony: “How did you find out about us?”

“Before I arrived to Belfast, I didn’t know much about PPI-NI. There is a company that helps Spanish graduates to find internship opportunities in different European cities. So they set a meeting up with Managing Director, Gareth Harper, and I’ve been here since February.”

Tony: “What do you think about the role of PPI-NI in Northern Ireland?”

“I think this job is very interesting. It is really fascinating to see how sport can be used to improve community relations. PeacePlayers is helping young people to create friendships, to understand and respect each other’s backgrounds.”

Tony: “What is your favourite thing about Belfast?”

“The people I have met. These people make me feel at home, which is difficult to achieve.”

Tony: “Is there anything you find really different from your home in Spain?”

“Apart from the weather, the mealtimes. It is strange to be drinking coffee at 2pm in the afternoon, if you have just had some at 12pm for lunch.”

Tony: “Anything else you want to add?”

“It is a big adventure trying to understand the Belfast accent but my colleagues are very patient with me. I want to take advantage of this opportunity and thank them for their kindness and support.”

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by | November 28, 2012 · 1:34 pm

Thanksgiving 2012: Thankful for the Fellows

This week, Senior Project Coordinator Tony McGaharan reflects on his cultural exchange with International Fellows in the PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (PPI-NI) program: 

PPI-NI has evolved significantly since it started way back in 2002. At the outset, we operated under the assumption that bringing children together through sport would strengthen the fledgling peace established through the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. There was much work to be done and we were eager to hit the ground running.

However, as we went along we realized the importance of addressing and valuing diversity to our goals. Today, we have a curriculum that covers topics such as identity, respect for others, and diversity.  We share the common understanding that diversity and the traditions that make up our identity are important. In fact, traditions often are the source of our fondest memories of family and friends.

PPI-NI team plus guests at Thanksgiving 2012.

While many things have changed since we first started in Northern Ireland, one thing that has remained constant is the much-appreciated time and commitment from our American Fellows. These young Americans, many of whom are recent college graduates and young professionals, pack up for cloudy Northern Ireland to bring their skills, passion, and energy to our organization.

Throughout my time with PPI-NI, the Fellows I have met have displayed a variety of interests, experiences, and beliefs. However, I think it is fair to say there were at least two things that all of these Americans had in common and cared deeply about:

1)   Bringing young people together from both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland through sport, and,

2)   Thanksgiving dinner!

Two of my favorite memories of working with the PPI-NI team are centered around the latter. In 2006, the PPI-NI team gathered together for some authentic American casserole dishes and a giant turkey in celebration of a wonderful American tradition: Thanksgiving. I remember sharing laughs with former International Fellows Jenny Callan, Ryan Douwie, Amy Nolan, Kelly Lyons and talking hoops with Noam Fishman, RaMell Ross, and Adam Dickman.

L-R: Tony McGaharan, Ryan Douwie, Noam Fishman, Craig Lustman, Adam Dickman, RaMell Ross, Jenny Callan, Mickey Campbell

Last week, the PPI-NI team celebrated this honored tradition yet again. Our current Fellow, Megan Lynch, coordinated the meal with everyone else contributing his or her favorite dish. At the start of the meal, we each shared what we were most thankful for including the meal, each other and the work we do. After the first response, someone said instinctively “let’s give him two claps” which produced a few grins and laughter as everyone followed suit.

As PPI-NI continues to grow and change we remain grateful to our American family: the headquarters in D.C. and our Fellows who join us in the field. We are so thankful to have Megan and Chris Schumerth here with us in Northern Ireland and not just because they make a tasty turkey dinner (although that certainly helps!).

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by | June 6, 2012 · 9:40 am

PPI – Northern Ireland’s Spring Jam 2012

International Fellow Meghan Houlihan pictured with Spring Jam 2012 champions Liberty, coached by Advanced Leadership Programme participant Ashling Hughes

This week Project Coordinator Joanne Fitzpatrick looks back at the highlights from the past weekend’s Spring Jam 2012 tournament

Spring Jam 2012 was something of an emotional rollercoaster for many on Saturday 2nd June, as we celebrated the end of our programming year with a great basketball tournament whilst simultaneously saying goodbye to beloved staff members Tony McGaharan, Meghan Houlihan, Rory O’Neil and intern Garry Longfield.

The warm-up team of International Fellow Rory O’Neil and Project Coordinators Darryl Petticrew and Joanne Fitzpatrick opened the day by leading the collection of players and volunteers in the Cha Cha Slide, the Electric Slide and, no PPI-NI tournament would be complete without, the Party Rock Anthem (AKA the shuffle).

The highly sought-after Hustle and Spirit Awards along with the new addition of the Brooklyn Nets caps

Spring Jam seen many a strong bonds built through the various activities on the day. Each team played six basketball matches, participated in two team-building games and even squeezed in a game of basketball jeopardy. In my four and a half years at PeacePlayers, this being my 11th tournament, I’ve never seen a more impressive sight than looking across the sports hall in Stranmillis College to see hundreds of high fives between teammates. To the untrained eye, they looked like the oldest of friends, but many of these boys and girls only met eachother for the first time when they put their team shirt on.

Spring Jam is all about embracing the three components of PeacePlayers; bridging divides, developing leaders and changing perceptions. Each team was mixture of participants from primary schools and community centres all over Co. Antrim, giving the kids the opportunity to not only meet a new teammate from “the other side” of an interface, but also from the other side of the county.

Bridging divides, developing leaders and changing perceptions in Co. Antrim!

The day, of course, wouldn’t happen without the help of our volunteers. Many of our volunteers this year were made up of participants from our Advanced Leadership Programme (ALP), one of which managed to lead her team to the finals and win.

Each year four participants are rewarded for being a great team-mate, showing respect and sportsmanship, playing hard and never giving up. These awards are called the Spirit and Hustle awards, winners are presented with a trophy and, this year, a Brooklyn Nets cap.

The competition was fierce, the smiles were huge and the slap of the high fives could be heard throughout the building, in my eyes this was the best tournament I’ve been to during my time at PeacePlayers.

What is PeacePlayers?

SWEET TO THE BEAT!

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by | May 30, 2012 · 1:00 am

Not Your Average Day In the Park

Participants pratice their soccer skills in Alexandra Park, one of the three sports that make up the Game of Three Halves.

This week’s blog was written by PPI-NI Local Coordinator, Tony McGaharan, who led last Saturday’s Game of Three Halves event in Alexandra Park. The event was coordinated in partnership with Groundwork NI and was supported by the Fulbright scholarship program.

On Saturday, May 26, the PPI-NI team took to the park for a ‘Game of Three Halves’ event with a twist. Coaches from the IFA, Ulster Rugby, GAA and PPI-NI gathered together in North Belfast’s Alexandra Park, the only park in western Europe to be divided by a peace wall, for an afternoon of cross-community fun. Originally erected in 1994, this interface has been a contested space and a flashpoint for sectarian conflict. It wasn’t until September of last year that a new gate was created, allowing park-goers to wander freely from one end to the other.

The PPI-NI Staff head through the peace wall for the Game of Three Halves event.

On the morning of the event, we drove towards the park only to be diverted by a number of police officers lined in front of two armored vehicles blocking the road. A pipe bomb was found earlier that morning and military bomb disposal experts were on site.

We eventually found an entrance to the park, using an alternative route, and as we walked through the gate of the peace wall, there was a strong sense among our team that this was exactly where we need to be.

Arriving at the caged five-aside field, the park was desolate. The only sounds were coming from the group of coaches huddled around each other in one corner of the field.  As we waited for the young people to arrive, I noticed another police truck driving towards us along the street parallel to the pitch where we stood. I was certain that we were about to be evacuated, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

PPI-NI Fellow Meghan Houlihan leads a community relations discussion about stereotypes in sport.

Out from the back of the vehicle flooded ten children with the supervising police officer carrying two cases of bottle water. The sergeant had driven the young people from the opposite side of the park to the other. It was obvious that these children were in foreign territory; the chance to ride in the back of a police truck was the only way that they were ever going to make it across the divide.

As more and more young people drifted into the area, our program was in full swing. There were three stations of Rugby, Gaelic and Soccer. A group of the Fulbright scholars joined in and helped encourage the younger participants.

Participants compete in a fun-filled rugby match.

We then led a Community Relations activity, which challenged the group to reflect on the concept of prejudices and stereotypes within sport. The day concluded with the young people competing in a game of three halves; Rugby, Gaelic and Soccer.

The context of a pipe bomb in one of the nearby streets, the peace line dividing one of Belfast’s most beautiful parks, and the transportation of a group of children in an armored police truck, created an even greater awareness of the important role that sport can play in uniting young people.

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by | May 9, 2012 · 3:31 pm

PPI-NI Runs the Belfast City Marathon

On Monday, May 7, staff, local coaches, board members and friends of PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland ran the Belfast City Marathon in two relay teams. Emma Ringland, Katrina Fitzpatrick, Jim Fitzpatrick, Gareth Harper, and Joan Shine comprised the first team, while Garry Longfield, Tony McGaharan, Rory O’Neil, James Hughes, and Darryl Petticrew rounded out the second team. The fundraiser was organized by PPI-NI Intern Garry Lonfield who had this to say about the event:

Rory ran the longest in the relay: 7 miles!

When I first joined PeacePlayers I was asked to complete a task of organising a fundraiser, and after looking at various ideas, I finally settled on one idea which I thought would be a lot of fun, as well as one that would generate a lot of support. Thankfully, my fellow coaches agreed to help, and as a result, PPI-NI had two relay teams in the Belfast City Marathon!

The total distance of the marathon is 26.2 miles, and the relay event was spilt into five stages: the longest leg was 7 miles  and the shortest leg was 3.5 miles. Rory O’Neil and Jim Fitzpatrick bravely volunteered to complete the 7-mile stage, and conquered the long trek.  In reference to the 7.1 miles he ran, Rory said, “Yes, the 7 miles up the Antrim road was tough, but to be honest it wasn’t that tough when you’ve got kids screaming ‘Coach Rory!!!’ or parents yelling ‘Go PeacePlayers’ along the way.  You can tell we work a lot in North Belfast when you’re running through the rain and you hear random kids and parents cheering you on.” Well done!

To fundraise for the event, PPI-NI collected pounds from program participants and also created an online donation page for local supporters, family and friends. Many thanks to all that contributed to this fundraising event! It’s not to late to to donate online if you would like to support the cause: http://www.justgiving.com/PPINI

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by | April 25, 2012 · 1:47 pm

All-Star Sunday in Belfast

PPI-NI's very own Coach Tony emceed the event.

PeacePlayers International first came to Northern Ireland in 2002, and since then, the organization has become well known throughout the different communities across the province. Through the involvement of our American fellows in local basketball clubs, PPI-NI has been able to build strong relationships within the Northern Ireland basketball community.

On Sunday 22nd April, several members of the PPI-NI staff participated in the inaugural All-Star basketball event, which took place in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

A golden ball for the All Star!

The event was organized by the Courtside Collective, including local PPI-NI Project Coordinator, Tony McGaharan, who emceed the event. Fellow Meghan Houlihan finished third the in the coed 3-point shoot-out, just missing out for a spot in the finals, and Fellow Rory Leddy O’Neil and local coach Connor McElroy were voted in as All-Stars and represented Belfast in the exhibition game. Local Coordinators Joanne Fitzpatrick and Darryl Petticrew played their role as the entertainment coordinators, running competitions for children during the time-outs and quarter breaks, while Gareth Harper, PPI-NI’s Managing Director, brought his entire family to support the event.

The event was another great example of how sport can bring people together, regardless of background, nationality or religion; a core theme of the PPI mission. The two All-Star teams comprised players from across Northern Ireland and spectators  travelled from as a far a field as County Donegal, Armagh, Newry and L-Derry to watch their favorite players.

Click here to view the BBC Newsline report.

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by | January 11, 2012 · 2:50 pm

PPI – NI Welcomes Tony McGaharan to the Team!

Tony McGaharan poses with some of our participants.

It’s a new year and PPI-NI is off to a great start with a new home, in the reputable Peace House, and the addition of a new member to our team. Last week, veteran PPI-NI coach, Tony McGaharan, joined our team as a full-time temporary Project Coordinator to assist in the organization and implementation of a number of our programs. Over the past five years, Tony has featured as a coach at our Twinnings and our annual tournaments, Jingle Ball and Spring Jam. However, this is the first time Tony has been involved in the operations side of PPI-NI. Below is an interview with Tony:

How are you enjoying your new role?

So far, so great! This is my first experience of working ‘behind-the-scenes’ with PPI. As a coach, I rarely considered the amount of work, planning and preparation that was needed to organize a Twinning program. The team do an excellent job of making it all come together. I’m enjoying working with the schools, venues and transport companies to plan the Twinnings that I will be leading. It’s exciting to be involved from start to finish.

What are the differences between being a coach and working in the office?

There are a few obvious distinctions but the one constant I have found is that the PPI culture is evident both in the office and out in the field. I’ve found that there is a great energy, sense of purpose and supportive environment in the office as there is at every Twinning or event.  Of course, one small difference is that we don’t normally play Dribble Knock-Out or have games of Scramble during our coffee breaks. How fun would that be?

How will your background in Education contribute to the organization?

Yesterday I was facilitating the OCN Level 1 course, ‘Understanding Diversity through Sport’, which was designed by PPI-NI. In this type of role, I am able to use the skills and knowledge, which I developed during my time at university, to improve the quality of the learning experience for the young people. I am a strong advocate of the use of effective questioning to promote active learning. This is a core feature of the courses that PPI-NI delivers to young adults.

What is your favorite aspect of your new job?

It is that I am working for an organization that is trying to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. Growing up in Northern Ireland, I have experienced first-hand the damaging effects of discrimination and intolerance. I attended an integrated school (Lagan College Belfast) and I strongly believe that bringing young people together is the most crucial ingredient in helping create a more tolerant, inclusive and integrated society. And, what better way to unite children than through the greatest game in the world?

What are your future goals within the organization?

I am grateful to have been accepted to fill this position. Currently, I am focusing on being as helpful and open-minded as I can be. I am learning a lot from each member of our team. They’ve been incredibly patient and willing to show me the ropes. As the organization grows, continuing to reach out to more young people, I hope I can bring enthusiasm, fresh-thinking and new ideas that will help to advance the PPI-NI mission.

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by | September 29, 2011 · 12:55 pm

Just Across the Road

Over the years, PeacePlayers International’s relationship with Holy Cross Girls and Wheatfield Primary Schools has gone from strength to strength: moving from single identity sessions in each school with a one-off twinning at the end of the term, to both schools participating in the full twinning experience from Primary 4 (2nd Grade) to Primary 7 (5th Grade). The reason we have been able to engage with the schools on this level is not only due to the schools’ increasing trust in PeacePlayers but also, their trust in eachother. The two schools have worked together on several projects in the past; however, this year, PeacePlayers is the only cross-community programme in which both schools are involved.

Last week, Local Coordinator Joanne Fitzpatrick and International Fellow Meghan Houlihan visited both of the Primary 6 (4th Grade) classes for session one of the eight-week programme. Session one is used as a refresher for the 9 year-olds, during which time we discussed their expectations and reiterated “The PPI Way”.

Yesterday, pupils from Wheatfield Primary School visited Holy Cross Girls Primary School for their first twinning session. This visit may be viewed by outsiders as a short walk ‘just across the road’, but the locals understand the significance of these pupils crossing the road and playing basketball together.  The pupils seem to have lost any fear there may have once been and instead are filled with curiosity and excitement.

Holy Cross Girls greeted Wheatfield with big smiles and schoolgirl giggles. Next, Wheatfield was given some insight as to what it’s like being a ‘Holy Cross Girl’ during their welcome presentation. The girls discussed the various activities they do at school; sports, Irish dancing and art. They also listed some of the annual school events such as their Halloween Hoolie, where each pupil wears their Halloween costume for a school-wide competition, and the St. Patrick’s Day Ceili, where the school celebrates the life of St. Patrick through song and dance. The pupils from Wheatfield then got the opportunity to ask the girls some questions.

After a few icebreakers and energizers, the pupils were split into four teams and were introduced to their new teammates and coaches. At this point, we ask each team to create a new team name and team cheer. Unfortunately, the team cheers were not caught on camera, as this was by far the most creative naming ceremony in PeacePlayers history. Firstly we met ‘Team Toast’ who Local Coach Tony McGaharan lead in a group huddle which resembled three of the players as slices of bread popping out of a toaster. Next up was Local Coordinator Darryl Petticrew with the “Basket-Bowlers” and their team chant included the players being knocked down by a “bowling basketball”. International Fellow Rory O’Neil was next up to introduce his team, “The Peace-Out Peeps” who were definitely the coolest dudes in the room at the time. Finally, International Fellow Meghan Houlihan’s team, WheatCross, who performed a modified rendition of Kriss-Kross’ “Jump”, dominated the team introduction session. Singing the lyrics “WheatCross will make ya jump jump, Coach Meghan makes us jump jump”, complete with dance moves and topped of with splits from the girls and a backflip from Luke from Wheatfield.

Teams then competed in dribble relays and discussed the similarities and differences found within their team. The session was finished with the PeacePlayers-Northern Ireland’s native call: “What is PeacePlayers? Sweet to the beat!” and every kid left the gym with a smile and a high-five.

A great end to a spectacular day!

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by | January 26, 2011 · 2:25 pm

Tony McGaharan Returns to PPI – Northern Ireland

Tony McGaharan first became involved with PeacePlayers International as a volunteer several years ago. Recently, he returned to the program as part of a two-week work study. Below, he shares his thoughts on his experience and how the program has developed since he first encountered PPI – NI.

Tony (center), working in a Belfast Primary School with PPI - NI.

What a week!

I have been involved with Peace Players International for many years and so, when the opportunity came up to choose a local organization for my 2-week work-study placement, there was no doubt where I wanted to volunteer.

This time last year, I was living and studying in Sweden and was the Head Coach of a professional women’s basketball team in the city of Umea. I then spent the summer in the United States, working as a coach for an 8-week basketball camp. I returned to Belfast in September to complete my undergraduate studies at Stranmillis University College, a local teacher training institution.


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Organized chaos?

One of my favorite memories of PPI-NI goes back to my first Jingle Ball. I could not believe how many kids were packed into the sports hall; it was organized chaos. The energy, the buzz and the excitement was overwhelming. I then remember being asked to coach a team. I was privileged to be asked to coach a cross-community team with a mix of Holy Cross Girls and Wheatfield Primary school pupils. It was incredible to witness the power of sport in breaking down prejudices. The girls came together at the start of the day quiet and distant from one another, but by the afternoon they were sharing high-fives and heaps of laughter.

Ryan Douwie, now the Operations Manager of PPI - South Africa.

Throughout the day, there were numerous games, competitions and role-playing. As a young coach and future educator, I was blown away by the talent of the PPI leaders. I remember watching Ryan Douwie for the first time (now the Director of Basketball Operations in PPI- South Africa) at Jingle Ball and leading a warm-up for approximately 200 kids in attendance. It was like watching a magician at work! You could not keep your eyes off him and he amazingly held the attention of those young children for a full ten minutes.

This past week, I have been involved with a few twinnings in Antrim, working with both primary school children and secondary school pupils. Gareth Harper, Managing Director, has been exceptionally accommodating and has taken the time to guide me through the strategic direction of PPI-NI, as well as recent developments and ideas for the future. I have been involved in their weekly Operational Meetings, where the entire team encouraged me to share my ideas and thoughts regarding PPI-NI programming.

Over the past several days I have experienced a passionate team of people, whose deep commitment to advancing the mission of PeacePlayers is evident in every aspect of their position – whether they are facilitating community relations activities, coaching basketball, developing relationships with teachers, or working behind-the-scenes in the office.

Tony, working with children on the court.

Working with the good people at PPI-NI has been a real privilege. I have enjoyed every moment of coaching with them on the court and have shared lots of laughs on the road and in the office. A particular favorite of mine is when Rory and Meghan, two Fellows here from the U.S., felt a craving for an American meal, which inevitably led us to make a quick pit-stop on our return trip from Antrim. You should have seen their faces light up when they saw those golden arches. I have never seen people happier than they were to be in McDonald’s!

Now, years after my first experience of PeacePlayers, this work-study has allowed me to discover that PPI-NI has changed in a way I didn’t think possible.

It has gotten better.

- Tony McGaharan

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