Global Games Development Fund (GGDF) 2026 to provide €400,000

Since its inception in 2013, the Global Games Development Fund (GGDF), a collaborative initiative between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA has provided matched funding to support the expansion of Gaelic Games across five continents. The Fund has reached communities in Asia, Australasia, Europe, South America, as well as Irish Diaspora networks in Canada, the United States, and the Middle East.

The GGDF is dedicated to increasing access to Gaelic Games for Irish and international communities abroad. Through targeted financial support, it empowers clubs and organisations to grow participation, enhance facilities, and deepen local engagement. Each year, the Fund plays a vital role in strengthening Irish identity and global Irish networks through sport.

Looking ahead to 2026, the GGDF aims to sustain the commitment on previous years and will fund 202 projects across World GAA to support further expand youth coaching and club infrastructure, strengthen regional development, and broaden opportunities for community engagement in Gaelic Games. While not all applications could be funded, supported projects included both once-off events and sustained activities running throughout the year. The continued rise in demand from both new and existing clubs reflects the accelerating global growth of Gaelic Games, with participation spanning underage and adult levels. The GAA’s development abroad is now a cornerstone of community life for both Irish Diaspora and local populations, reinforcing cultural connections and enhancing Ireland’s international visibility.

A key highlight for 2026 will be the staging of the World GAA Games in Waterford from July 13–17. More than 2,000 players representing over 100 teams in football, hurling, camogie, and ladies' football and handball are expected to take part. With over 560 clubs now active outside Ireland, the Games will showcase the reach and impact of the GGDF funding, bringing together global communities to celebrate the growth and vibrancy of Gaelic Games worldwide.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “A privilege of this office is the opportunity to see the phenomenon that is World GAA in action. Having recently returned from a tour of Gaelic games activity in Asia, I have witnessed first-hand how the exceptional support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Global Games Development Fund is having a profound impact on our international units and their members. Wherever our games are played the strength of a GAA club is people and the community of people who come together to work for each other. That’s the glue that inspires our volunteers whether they are in clubs in Tulsk, Tralee, Thomastown or Toome – and it is equally the case for clubs in the 52 international locations where Gaelic games are played.

“The opportunity for the Irish Diaspora to pack our games with them as part of their cultural identity as they make a home from home is important, but just as important as playing is the

support network that membership of a GAA club family provides to them as they represent our country with distinction. More than €400,000 in funding will assist more than 200 projects and thousands of people and I am delighted that this successful partnership continues.”

Minister Richmond said “The role of the GAA in our Diaspora communities continues to go from strength to strength. With more than 500 registered clubs spread around the world, the Global Games Development Fund supports an ongoing connection to Ireland for so many. In 2026, the Fund will provide support to almost 200 projects for clubs from Amsterdam to Adelaide, and Santiago to Shanghai.

As we look to the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy which will be launched next year, I am committed to ensuring this long running partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the GAA continues to grow Gaelic Games abroad while also providing a platform to share our heritage with the world.

I have been fortunate during my visits overseas to meet many of the hard-working volunteers who are the lifeblood of our Diaspora GAA communities. The time and energy they devote to their clubs is invaluable. I would like to thank the GAA and all volunteers and players for their ongoing commitment to supporting our Irish communities abroad.”

Ciarán McLaughlin, Chairman of the World GAA Council, said: “Looking ahead to 2026, the GGDF aims to further expand club and county infrastructure and broaden opportunities for community engagement through our Games. The GAA’s development abroad is now a cornerstone of community life for both Irish Diaspora and local populations, reinforcing cultural connections and enhancing Ireland’s international visibility”.

“Our clubs are more than sporting organisations—they’re cultural lifelines for Irish communities abroad,” said Shane Flanagan, Director of Coaching and Games Development. “With continued support from ESP and GGDF, we’re building a global legacy rooted in connection, inclusion, and pride.”