“The world is coming to Waterford" - GAA World Games is launched
Limerick hurler Dan Morrissey, O'Neills financial controller James Towell, Galway handball player Ciana Ní Churraoin, GAA World Games chairperson Ciarán McLoughlin, Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan Trina Murray, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty, Cork camogie player Saoirse McCarthy, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta Brian Molloy, Tyrone ladies footballer Sarah Donnelly, and Galway footballer Shane Walsh, during the 2026 World GAA Games Launch in Waterford. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The official launch of the GAA World Games took place today in Waterford city.
The event, which will bring 2,000 players, coaches and officials to Waterford, takes place from July 13 to 17.
The World Games is a triennial festival of Gaelic games attended by teams from all over the world.
This year’s event will be the largest on record, with 114 teams confirmed, including units from Europe, the United States, Africa, South America, Canada, Britain, Australasia, Asia and the Middle East.
2,000 players and support staff descend onto SETU Waterford for the five-day festival.
Teams will compete in Gaelic football, ladies football, hurling and camogie. There will also be a handball competition and rounders exhibitions.
All fixtures are open to the public and supporters are welcome to attend the matches throughout the week as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
The event will open with a parade to John Roberts Square and opening ceremony on Monday, July 13.
The finals are down for decision at Walsh Park on Thursday, July 16, with the closing ceremony on Friday July 17 in the Apple Market.
There will also be a GAA Connects business forum on Thursday July 16 at the Waterford City Council building which will bring together figures from business and the ministerial and ambassadorial spheres.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The phenomenon that is World GAA means that our games are now played in more than 500 clubs in virtually every corner of the globe. Every three years we have an opportunity to host these international players in Ireland and this year's gathering in Waterford will be the biggest and best yet.
“Standards continue to rise to match these record participation rates and I look forward to a thrilling week of action.
"Our games play a huge role in the lives of our Diaspora, and this festival also showcases the international flavour of players who have been won over by the joy of playing Gaelic games. Ar aghaidh linn le chéíle."
