St Kevin’s GAC, the largest and most prominent Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club in Melbourne, has unveiled a powerful new playing kit for the 2026 season. The club commissioned talented artist Alisha F to create an artwork for the design of the jersey, resulting in a stunning piece of wearable art titled As One.
The jersey represents the merging of two cultures from across the world and highlights the stories from Alisha’s family history and the many paths and journeys that led to her being where she is today.
The Artwork: ‘As One’
The design explores Alisha’s ancestral connections to both the Wadawarrung people and her Irish heritage. The artwork is a visual representation of the merging of these two distinct, yet now intertwined, cultures.
…This painting speaks to the appreciation for both Indigenous and Irish culture and contains songlines, and storytelling through the connection of meeting places. As you read through the painting you see each path and meeting places connect. Speaking on my history, my Irish side and Indigenous side make up of who I am today as one, one person from two strong deadly cultures.
The intricate design highlights the stories from Alisha’s family history, illustrating the many paths and journeys from ancient to contemporary times that led to her to where she is today. The songlines and meeting places within the artwork symbolize the convergence of cultures and the shared values of community, storytelling, and sport.
A Historic Moment for GAA in Australia
At the end of February, St Kevin’s four competitive codes will proudly take to the field wearing the As One jersey. They will be playing their native sports of Gaelic football, hurling and camogie on the lands of the First Peoples of Australia.
Gaelic football, hurling and camogie are fast paced, highly skilled sports within the GAA; a staple of Irish culture that has found a strong home in Melbourne. With a large and passionate Irish-Australian community, the city boasts a thriving GAA scene. As the largest club in the region, St Kevin’s commitment to this Indigenous recognition sets a powerful example within the local sporting landscape.
The wearing of the jersey is a meaningful acknowledgement of First Nations Australians and a celebration of the unique cultural fusion that occurs when we come together through sport.
About the Artist: Alisha F
Alisha F is a Wadawurrung artist who joined The Torch program in 2023. Alisha creates using acrylic on canvas and likes to include bodies of water in her paintings, animals, and symbols. Her artwork showcases her personal experiences, connection to her Country and Wadawurrung language.
Through her artwork, Alisha hopes to open people’s minds to culture, nature and First Nations mob. Painting takes Alisha away from the noise of the world and time stops still. Painting makes her feel confident and it is her way of sharing her stories and experiences in a way other than using words.
About St Kevin’s GAC
St Kevin’s GAC is the largest GAA club in Melbourne, Australia. The club fields teams across multiple grades and all four GAA Codes, and is a central hub for the Irish community and lovers of Gaelic games in the city. The club is dedicated to promoting Gaelic sports while fostering a strong sense of community and respect for the Australian land on which they play.
Inspired to engage an artist for your next project?
There are many ways to engage First Peoples artists from The Torch! Learn about commissions, Cultural Activations, licensing and more here and get in touch with us on 03 9042 1236.