Adam Idah, the talented striker from Celtic, recently shared how his childhood experiences playing hurling in Cork shaped his successful football career. Despite initially being hesitant to leave his hometown to join Norwich City, the 24-year-old Irish internationalist credits his time playing Gaelic games for instilling in him the resilience and physicality needed to excel as a professional footballer.
Growing up in Cork, Idah was deeply involved in both Gaelic football and hurling, showcasing equal promise in these sports as he did in soccer. In a recent interview, he revealed his love for hurling, expressing his fond memories of playing the sport he was initially reluctant to leave behind when he made the move to England. Even now, he stays connected to the game, following matches and keeping in touch with his roots.
Reflecting on how hurling influenced his football career, Idah acknowledged the aggressive nature of the sport, emphasizing the physical demands and character-building aspects of engaging in competitive games from a young age. He noted how playing any sport can shape an individual, highlighting the camaraderie, enjoyment, and personal growth that come from pursuing one’s passion on the field.
As Celtic prepares for a friendly match against Cork City in the upcoming Cork Super Cup, Idah sees this pre-season fixture as an opportunity to boost team confidence and momentum for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. Drawing parallels to past encounters with top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, he emphasized the positive impact of such matches on team morale and performance.
While Idah missed out on those previous friendlies, he recognized the team’s confidence and competitive spirit that emerged from those encounters, translating into a strong start to the season. Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Cork City, he highlighted the importance of pre-season games in showcasing players’ abilities and readiness for the upcoming season, emphasizing the excitement and competitive spirit that such matches bring to the team and fans alike.
With the anticipation building for the Celtic vs. Cork City showdown, Idah expressed his eagerness to take the field and demonstrate the team’s readiness to face formidable opponents. As he looks forward to the friendly match, he recognizes the challenges and opportunities that pre-season games present for players to showcase their skills and teamwork, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
As the Super Cup friendly approaches, Celtic fans can expect an exciting display of talent and determination as the team gears up for the new season. With players like Adam Idah drawing on their diverse sporting backgrounds to bring a unique blend of skills and passion to the pitch, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter for both players and supporters alike.
Overall, Adam Idah’s journey from playing hurling in Cork to becoming a key player for Celtic serves as a testament to the enduring influence of childhood sports experiences on professional athletes. As he prepares to face Cork City in the upcoming friendly, he embodies the spirit of perseverance, camaraderie, and determination that define both hurling and football, showcasing the power of sport to shape character and inspire success on and off the field.
