Irish Muslims made history in Croke Park today after the sporting grounds hosted the Islamic celebration of Eid al Adha.
Around 200 worshippers sent a message to the world as they gathered in prayer on the iconic pitch to celebrate their religious holiday - the holiest of Islamic celebrations.
Leader of the Muslim community in Ireland, Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri told those watching that the celebration showed that Ireland is a country that accepts its diversity.
He said: "We are here in this historic iconic venue, Croke Park, to perform our Eid (celebration).
"Thank you to the management of Croke Park, to the GAA. Thank you to Ireland, because today this Eid prayer is sending a very strong message out to the whole world that Ireland is indeed a country of Ceid Mile Failte.
"Ireland is indeed a country of one hundred thousand welcomes because no matter your diversity, no matter how different you are, once you come and live here... This island of Ireland has this great ability to adopt you in a way that you become part of society.
"Many hundreds of years ago, St Patrick from Wales came to Ireland. He lived here and he became part of the society so much so that today the whole island and the Irish nation celebrates St Patrick's Day.
"Why? Because this country is a country of Ceid Mile Failte."
The Muslim community approached Croke Park to host the event in the grounds to allow for Covid-19 restrictions to be implemented.
The stadium which can hold 82,000 GAA fans is synonymous with Irish identity and culture and the celebration is seen as a significant step for Irish Muslims.
A young hurler from Ballinteer St John's, Abood Aljumaili, spoke of his Irish pride and encouraged members of his faith from across the country to embrace Gaelic games as a place 'Where we all belong'.
He said: "I moved to Ireland in 2008. I started primary school straight away.
"It was tough starting off hurling as a Muslim here as I didn't really speak the language, didn't understand the people nor did I even know the system.
"But now Ireland is my home and although I've had some daydreams of living in a Muslim society, I could not see myself leaving my homeland.
"Not only do I feel comfortable and truly at home here where I understand the people, the culture and the system, but also feel a care and responsibility towards my Irish people."
Abdul who is fondly known as Bonnar O'Loingsigh to his friends thanked the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council for helping people "celebrate their dual identity."
He added: "I'd also like to thank the GAA and Croke Park, especially for making this wonderful event happen with the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council.
"To everyone out there, no matter where you are in the country, no matter where you're from, try GAA.
"GAA, where we all belong."
