National EDI Working Group meets ahead of Dublin Pride Parade
A breakfast morning was hosted at the Croke Park Hotel ahead of the Pride Parade.
The GAA’s National Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Working Group held a meeting in Croke Park on Friday, 27th June, continuing its commitment to key initiatives - foremost among them, the development of a new EDI strategy for Gaelic Games.
This meeting was particularly significant as it took place ahead of the Gaelic Games family entry in the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday morning. To mark the occasion, a ‘Breakfast Morning’ was hosted at the Croke Park Hotel, with Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns as special guest. The GAA President expressed his pride in being able to demonstrate his support to many LGBTQIA+ members of the GAA who contribute enormously to the Association, be that as players, match official, officers, volunteers, parents, and supporters.
The gathering included a large representation from Dublin-based club, Na Gaeil Aeracha, the first GAA club in the Association dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community but open and welcome to all. (Two other such clubs, Aeracha Uladh GAA club in Belfast, and Na Laochra Aeracha in Cork, have since been established.)
An Uachtarán shared heartfelt reflections on his experiences as a secondary school principal supporting students and their families, underscoring the critical role of the National EDI Working Group. He extended his thanks to Sinéad Crowley, Chairperson; Louise Keane, National EDI Officer; and all group members for their ongoing work.
The morning also featured an engaging Q&A session with players and officers of Na Gaeil Aeracha hosted by EDI working group member Jenn Treacy, also chair of Scotland GAA. This discussion offered valuable insights and created a strong sense of connection among attendees.
An engaging questions and answers session with players and officers of Na Gaeil Aeracha was hosted by EDI working group member Jenn Treacy, who is also chair of Scotland GAA.
Following the event, the group joined the Dublin Pride Parade on O’Connell Street, where they were met with a warm and enthusiastic welcome from thousands of participants and supporters. They were joined on the parade walk by Iar Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy. Their presence was a proud and visible testament to Gaelic Games growing commitment to inclusion and community and helped bring to life the GAA’s manifesto ‘Where We All Belong’.
2025 has been a significant year for the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in the GAA with both Armagh All-Ireland winner Mark Shields, and Aghyaran club player, Kevin Penrose (brother of Tyrone’s two-time All-Ireland winner Martin) smashing huge holes in the wall of stigma that still prevents gay men in particular from feeling they can live their full identity in a male team-sport environment.
Both men highlighted the positive support they received from the teammates and the GAA community following their own coming out experiences.
Chair of the EDI Working Group, Sinead Crowley Cork, said: "Equity and inclusion are not extras in our game, they are the foundation of a team. A team where everyone belongs and every voice matters."
For any queries, please contact Louise Keane, National Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, at louise.keane@gaa.ie