Life Begins in Leitrim: From Kurdistan to Croke Park

Zak Moradi was born in a refugee camp in Ramadi, Iraq, at the height of the Gulf War. He spent his formative years living under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Settling in Carrick-on-Shannon aged 11, he couldn't speak English but discovered a talent for hurling. The GAA gave him the opportunity to put down roots, forge lifelong friendships, and build his own life. In this memoir, he reflects on his first 20 years in Ireland, the culture shock of landing in a small town, the plight of refugees worldwide, and the skills he learned through sport.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2022
Publisher: Gill

The road to Croke Park can be a long and arduous journey, but for Leitrim hurler Zak Moradi, it was even longer and more challenging. Born in a refugee camp in Ramadi, Iraq, at the height of the Gulf War, Zak spent his formative years living under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Despite the hardships and challenges he faced, Zak's love for hurling blossomed, and he found solace and a sense of purpose in the sport.

At the age of 11, Zak and his family settled in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland. He arrived with limited English skills and faced significant cultural and linguistic barriers. However, his passion for hurling quickly emerged, and he began to excel in the sport.

Zak credits the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) with providing him with a platform to establish roots, forge lifelong friendships, and build his own life. The GAA offered him a sense of belonging and community, as well as the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

In this brave, touching, and uplifting memoir, Zak reflects on his first 20 years in Ireland. He describes the culture shock of landing in a small-town Ireland, the plight of refugees worldwide, and the skills he learned through sport. Zak emphasizes the role that hurling plays in a healthy, balanced mind and in creating a sense of community.

Through his journey, Zak inspires others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances. His story is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, promote social inclusion, and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780717194667