GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 21 – March 14, 2015 | Page 15

next time whenever that may be. While event organizers
and supporters have suggested that we might see games on a
bi-annual basis, new GAA President Aogan O’Farrell hinted
in a speech at the games that he would like to see the World
Games next year in Ireland as part of the nationwide celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Irish Rising.
This truly first World Games was considered a huge success by both players and officials alike. The passion by teams
such as South Africa, the Middle East teams, Australasia and
Asian sides and others, particularly from Galicia and Argentina, suggests that there is no turning back.

station TG4, and GAA outlet’s GAAGO (GAA/RTE) and GAA.
ie. Also the event was covered by local Abu Dhabi media with
Galician TV also doing a report on the event. Daily highlights
and TV report segments were broadcast and no doubt, given
that it has long been said in Ireland that the GAA has the best
sports in the world, however subjective that may sound, the opportunity to showcase Gaelic sports qualities to a wider global
audience is coming more into focus. Small steps no doubt, but
still steps and perhaps giant steps for the future.
The Middle East GAA Chairman and the driving force behind the World Games, James Kennedy, told Gaelic Sports

Non-Irish players and their teams have
found a new sport in Gaelic football
and when you add in Ireland’s great national game of Hurling and the ladies
version Camogie, where American’s
new found love for the ancient game is
on an sustainable upward curve, then
the making of an exceptional world
sporting event and a very attractive
World GAA Games can be attainable
in the future. Britain GAA no doubt
will be sending teams in the future
and though the overall standard at the
games was Irish inter-county level in
the top tier event, though at 9 a-sides,
perhaps Irish teams at junior or inNew York Ladies Team winners of the Ladies World Plate. Photo courtesy of Middle East
termediate grade can be entered into
GAA/Tina & Stew Hunt.
the competition going forward. Who
knows we might also see Irish senior Dreams Teams involved
World that the games showed that was a will to form such a
in the not too distant future, particularly in ladies football.
world event.
There is a lot to think about and plan for the future of that one
can be certain. But possibilities exist and the games are there to
“I think what it did show at the weekend was that there is a
be showcased, and the players will to play is very much present.
desire and a passion from the teams from around the globe to
come and compete at this level. I think the organization at the
These inaugural GAA World Games had a major media presweekend and the structure worked so well that you know there
ence with 10 Irish journalists on site along with Ireland’s TV
was hardly a complaint all weekend,” said Kennedy.

2015 GAA

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