The Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA has provided matched funding for development projects across the globe.
Since 2013, through the Global Games Development Fund (GGDF) the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA has provided matched funding for development projects in GAA Asia, Australasia, Canada, United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The fund provides financial support specifically for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic Games. Through the provision of financial assistance, the Fund aims to support the Irish Diaspora and strengthen Irish networks and Irish identity Internationally.
From supporting 14 projects in 2013, this year the fund will profit 178 projects – a 20% increase from the 148 projects in 2023. Some projects are once-off events, others have activities lasting throughout the year. All have been truly inspirational and beneficial. Last year 148 International clubs & boards benefitted from this additional funding to aid with costs associated with equipment, insurance, pitch rental, and match day costs.
In January 2024 we received in the region of 197 applications through the Global Games Development Fund award scheme, awarding 90% of applications funding. Last year we received 156 applications and 148 were approved for funding. This statistic highlights the growth of Gaelic games across the globe, whether for underage or adult development – the GAA is an integral part of communities around the world.
We would like to acknowledge the support from our partners the Department of Foreign Affairs for their ongoing support. The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Mr Seán Fleming, T.D. said:
“The GAA plays a special role for the Irish Diaspora and the communities they live in. It provides an important sense of belonging and support, ensuring that the Diaspora feels an ongoing connection to Ireland and our heritage.
I am delighted in my role as Minister for Diaspora to reiterate our commitment to supporting Irish communities abroad in partnership with the GAA, through the Global Games Development Fund. This Fund receives matched funding from both the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Emigrant Support Programme and the GAA. The Fund is an important part of our Diaspora Strategy, in helping to promote the development of Gaelic Games abroad, and awareness of the games internationally.
Through the work of the Global Games Development Fund, 178 projects from clubs across the globe have now received funding for their activities in 2024. There are now over 500 international GAA clubs globally; which would not be possible without the time and enthusiasm of all volunteers involved. I would like to thank the GAA and all volunteers and players for their ongoing commitment to supporting Irish communities abroad.”
A total of €373,975 will be distributed across the seven World GAA regions. The grant will improve club’s abilities to offer quality training and matches to engage their members and grow the game.
Games held in Frankfurt in 2023 thanks to the Global Games Development Fund.
Niall Erskine, Chairman of the World GAA Committee, said: "We are enormously proud of the extent to which Gaelic Games are now being played and enjoyed overseas with more than 500 GAA Clubs in existence outside of Ireland. The Global Games Development Project plays a huge part in terms of support for these Clubs. The fund provides financial support specifically for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic Games.
"I would like to acknowledge our appreciation to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continued support for our clubs and communities abroad."
Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said:
“With our World GAA Strategic Plan Launch before GAA Congress later this month we are served with a timely reminder of the strength and vibrancy of our global operation and a network that is a huge source of pride to the GAA.
These thriving clubs, dotted around the globe, serve as hubs of Gaelic games for Irish and non-Irish alike and mirror the sense of community and belonging that are the hallmarks of our clubs across the island of Ireland.
Their work, and our efforts to support it, are helped in no small part by the Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly through the Global Games Development Fund and we are deeply appreciative of a relationship that has had a hugely positive impact on the experience of those who play our games ‘timpeall na cruinne”.
Croke Park would also like to take this opportunity to thank the International Boards for their input and wish all the applicant’s success with their projects and activities for 2024.