Nine weeks out, World Games prep is ramping up
With nine weeks to go until the GAA World Games arrive in Waterford, organisers have confirmed the programme of events for will be the largest international sporting event in Ireland in 2026.
The World Games, a triennial festival of Gaelic games attended by teams from all over the world, was last staged in Derry in 2023 and, according to the GAA’s International Manager Charlie Harrison, this year’s event will be the biggest on record, with 112 teams confirmed.
Harrison thanked the local volunteers who have signed up to help out at the event, which will run at SETU from July 13th-17th, culminating in the finals day at Walsh Park.
“It’s a massive logistical undertaking and a really huge event for Waterford city and county,” he said.
“The local community are really buying into it and we’ve had lots of volunteers register their interest, with room for more.”
Among the highlights of the event will be the parade, which takes place on Monday July 13 from the Waterside car park, through the Apple Market and into the John Roberts Square, and which will be followed by the opening ceremony in the square, with live music and festivities.
The closing ceremony takes place on Friday July 17 from 6-10pm in the Apple Market.
“We’re calling on the local community to embrace the event and come out and attend the parade, the opening and closing ceremonies and take in as many games as they like at SETU and on the finals day in Walsh Park,” Harrison said.
“It will be a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a festival vibe and all are welcome.”
There will be a business forum on Thursday, July 16 at the Waterford City Council Building, the Mall in Waterford city. The forum will bring together leaders from sport, business, education and the global Irish community to explore how Gaelic games can strengthen international connections and partnerships.
Featuring addresses from Jarlath Burns and senior political and ambassadorial figures as well as a panel discussion, the event will highlight the role of Gaelic games in promoting inclusion, grassroots sport and links between enterprise, universities and communities worldwide, with an expected attendance of 200 delegates.
There are now more than 560 GAA Clubs in existence outside of Ireland and this is reflected in the presence of 112 teams, with 13-strong panels, that are confirmed for the 2026 GAA World Games and representing clubs from across Europe, New York, USGAA, Zambia, South America, Canada, Britain, Australasia, India, Asia and the Middle East.
There are numerous local connections to the various sides including Zambian team (Sable Shamrocks), from the town of Kabwe, who are being led by Waterford native Pádraig Ó Fainín.
25 July 2023; Nan Nas of Cairde Khmer Cambodia and Maxton Brooke Milner of Cuenca del Plata during day two of the FRS Recruitment GAA World Games 2023 at the Owenbeg Centre of Excellence in Dungiven, Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
27 July 2023; Corbett Charles Oulette of South East 1, 3, in action against Seamus McVey of Coastal Virginia during day four of the FRS Recruitment GAA World Games 2023 at the Owenbeg Centre of Excellence in Dungiven, Derry. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
28 July 2023; Merrit Brown of South East gets away from Courtney Otto of Coastal Virginia during the Camogie International Cup Final Etty Kelly Cup match between South East and Coastal Virginia on day five of the FRS Recruitment GAA World Games 2023 at Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
