Mexico’s only Gaelic football club have hosted Tánaiste Micheál Martin and shared the story of how their club is named after Irish soldiers who famously switched sides during the Mexican-American War (1846-48).
Los San Patricios GAA Club in Mexico City was established last January, taking their name from the Batallón de San Patricio (Saint Patrick’s Batallion).
Speaking to RTÉ, coach John Vaughan from Co Clare explained: “So, that’s a batallion of the US Army that was formed in the aftermath of the famine, consisting mostly of Irish people, of Irish men.
“And they were almost immediately sent to fight in the Mexican-American War.
“Quite quickly the Irish realised they had more similarities with the Mexican side and even though it was quite clear that they were going to lose the war, they decided to switch sides and become heroes, and eventually martyrs for Mexico.”
He added that while the story is already well known in Mexico, the story was forgotten back home in Ireland.
At the time, the United States Army had often recruited Irish immigrants with promises of pay and land after the war.
One of the main theories as to why the men deserted was because of the similarities between Catholic Ireland and Catholic Mexico, who had encouraged soldiers to switch sides through a propaganda campaign.
Escaped African-American slaves from southern US states were also known to have joined the Saint Patrick’s Batallion.
Led by Galway man John Riley, the battalion fought in several battles, but made their last stand against US forces in the Battle of Churubusco (1847).
Open to both Irish expats and locals in Mexico City, Los San Patricios club member Silvia Lopez spoke of getting to grips with gaelic football in a country where soccer is king.
“It’s been really interesting to know a culture that’s so big around the world, a sport that’s not soccer, so that’s been really interesting,” she said.
“And then learning about Ireland, the country and the people, and how similar it is to Mexico and Mexican culture.
“That’s also been really fun.”
Her team-mate Sinéad Babington said the enthusiastic response to the new club has been heartening.
“They seem super pumped about it, they were all delighted,” she said.
“They went to Texas to play and are really interested in the Irish culture and gaelic football...they are proper dedicated.”
Commenting on his visit last week, Mr Martin said: “A real highlight meeting the Irish community at the home of the San Patricios Battalion - and the GAA club named in its honour.
“Heartened how our citizens and companies are making such an impact in Mexico and beyond.”
A real highlight meeting the Irish community at the home of the San Patricios Battalion - and the GAA club named in its honour.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 10, 2024
Heartened how our citizens and companies are making such an impact in Mexico and beyond. pic.twitter.com/Td7SAz9Byq
