Ongar man in GAA TV ad  

A NORTHSIDE man’s volunteering work with his local GAA club has been rewarded with a part in a TV commercial.  

Last week Guinness launched its latest TV advertising campaign, 'Behind Every Great Town', and it features Erin Go Bragh GAA Club volunteer Moses Wanjigo. 

The captivating film celebrates the everyday GAA volunteers who willingly give their time in communities across Ireland all year round.

The advertisement, which debuted on TV on August 13 across the island of Ireland, features Moses and three other GAA volunteers from Castlegregory, County Kerry, Inishbofin, County Galway and Slaughtneil, County Derry. 

Together, they represent the thousands of people throughout Ireland who find enrichment, enjoyment and a sense of community by immersing themselves in their local GAA club.

Moses, who hails from a rural village in Kenya, came to Ireland in 2010 before settling in Ongar, Dublin 15. 

Responding to an advertisement from the local GAA club, Erin Go Bragh in Ongar, who were looking for new members to join, Moses was welcomed by the club with open arms and he quickly found a way to integrate into the local community.

Speaking about his passion for the GAA, Moses said: “It’s hard to start fresh somewhere new. When people like me, who are from different countries, come to a foreign land, the first thing you want to do is to integrate. You want to get to know your community.

“I was at home one evening and a flyer came through the door looking for new members for Erin Go Bragh club. 

“I said to myself that I will give it a go. I love to help with fundraising, putting up nets on the goalposts or whatever needs to be done. I find myself doing lots of odd jobs down at the club. I love it though. It really is a way to belong.”

Speaking about the ad, Guinness Brand Manager Chloé McEvoy said: “Our ad celebrates the people like Moses, whose selfless efforts and dedication to their local clubs enhances the towns and communities they live in, as well as making the GAA the vibrant, progressive and inclusive organisation that it is today. 

“Driven by a sense of pride and belonging, these volunteers truly are the life and soul of the GAA.”

The advert shows Moses walking through a local housing estate and road bridge on his way to the Erin Go Bragh club grounds. Viewers then see him putting nets on goalposts with a clubmate.