PJ McCamphill. A life in hurling, 55 years in Kenya and making a real difference in life. Hurling in homily. An uplifting podcast from BBC Sounds (April 2023).
Fr PJ McCamphill has spent more than 50 years in Africa as a missionary. He’s survived murder attempts. All this, because he left Ireland and the sport he adores to help others less fortunate. Yet people in Africa, according to PJ, are the happiest on the planet- why is that? This podcast is a unique insight into life in Africa, spreading the Gospel of GAA, playing every trick in the book to get home for hurling and the day RTE scooped him for 'sneaking' a trip home to watch Dunloy in the All-Ireland final. PJ started Frankie's Nursery in 2005 – a school in memory of former Dunloy hurler Frankie McMullan. Frankie died by suicide in 2004 – but his legacy lives on. The school provides free education in an area where it would be impossible to be educated- unless you came from money! Almost 2000 children now have an education in one of the most deprived areas in the world. Some of the first students are now in University- all because of a hurling man, with a hurling idea that blossomed in Africa. The school has a 100% pass rate. Last year Tyrone Gaelic footballer Conor Meyler, Antrim hurler Neil McManus and Mayo All-star Aidan O'Shea led a 50 strong GAA group to Kenya. Frankie’s Nursery was one of the areas visited. Fr PJ has Thomas & Oisin in fits of laughter as the GAA Social offers something a bit different. Enjoy a fascinating hour in life, hurling, sport and thought with PJ McCamphill. A joy.