National U8 Go Games Blitz proves to be a real success
The Kilmovee team and mentors pictured with Mayo manager Andy Moran at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
2026 has been a fantastic year for Go Games, and last weekend was another wonderful example of what can be achieved when clubs, volunteers, players and families come together.
An incredible 73 clubs hosted events, with 157 clubs participating and an incredible 4,350 children taking to the field to enjoy their Gaelic Games.
The idea behind the National U8 Blitz was simple to celebrate our young players and give them an opportunity to enjoy playing Gaelic football in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Our clubs embraced that ethos brilliantly.
The National U8 Go Games was a real success story.
Across the country, we saw clubs putting their own stamp on the day with fun team parades, children proudly showing off their club colours and banners, small-sided games and smaller playing areas designed to give every child more opportunities to get involved and get on the ball.
Most importantly, the focus was on participation, enjoyment, teamwork and friendship. Children were given the opportunity to play, learn and develop together, without the pressure of results, scores or competition.
It was also fantastic to see clubs finishing the day by celebrating the children’s participation with certificates, goodie bags and other small tokens recognising what the day was really about: the children and their enjoyment of Gaelic games.
Teams participated throughout the country.
A special thank you must also go to our young referees. Their contribution was hugely important. Not only did you help the games run smoothly, but you also played a valuable role in helping our young players understand the rules, talking to them and explaining things as the games went along. You showed our players that refereeing is about much more than blowing a whistle, it is about communication, encouragement, teamwork and helping others learn.
None of this would happen without the incredible volunteers who give their time week after week. A massive thank you to all the GAA and LGFA volunteers, coaches, organisers, parents and everyone who helped make the blitzes happen. From setting up pitches and organising teams to welcoming clubs, refereeing games and making sure the children had a great day every contribution mattered.
Finally, our County Heads of Games, County Managers and GAA staff, along with the many LGFA volunteers working tirelessly within clubs and counties. Your commitment to providing a strong Go Games programme ensures that thousands of young children have the opportunity to play, develop friendships and enjoy our games without the pressure of competition.
It was all about football and fun.
The National U8 Go Games Blitz was a brilliant celebration of what Go Games is all about; fun, participation, friendship and giving every child the opportunity to play.
To every person who played a part, whether you hosted a blitz, brought a team, coached, refereed, volunteered or simply cheered from the sideline, thank you.
A big Go Games Bualadh Bos to each and every one of you! 👏