oneills.com GAA World Games Programme for 2026 launched in Waterford
Ambassadors, from left, Galway footballer Shane Walsh, Cork camogie player Saoirse McCarthy, Limerick hurler Dan Morrissey, Galway handball player Ciana Ní Churraoin, and Tyrone ladies footballer Sarah Donnelly, pictured at the 2026 World GAA Games launch in Waterford. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The 2026 oneills.com GAA World Games, which will take place in Waterford from July 13-17th next, were officially launched in the city.
The World Games is a triennial festival of Gaelic games attended by teams from all over the world. This year’s event will be the largest on record, with 114 teams confirmed, including units from Europe, the United States, Africa, South America, Canada, Britain, Australasia, Asia and the Middle East.
In attendance at the launch were the Presidents of the GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association, GAA Handball and GAA Rounders as well as ambassadors Shane Walsh (Galway, football), Dan Morrissey (Limerick, hurling), Saoirse McCarthy (Cork, camogie), Sarah Donnelly (Tyrone, ladies football) and Ciana Ní Churraoin (Galway, handball).
The World Games will see 2,000 players and support staff descend on SETU Waterford for a five-day festival of Gaelic culture and sport. The event will open with a parade to John Roberts Square and opening ceremony on Monday, July 13th. The finals are down for decision at Walsh Park on Thursday, July 16th, with the closing ceremony on Friday, July 17th in the iconic Apple Market.
There will also be a GAA Connects business forum on Thursday July 16th at the Waterford City Council building which will bring together figures from business and the ministerial and ambassadorial spheres.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The phenomenon that is World GAA means that our games are now played in more than 500 clubs in virtually every corner of the globe. Every three years we have an opportunity to host these international players in Ireland and this year's gathering in Waterford will be the biggest and best yet.
“Standards continue to rise to match these record participation rates and I look forward to a thrilling week of action.
"Our games play a huge role in the lives of our Diaspora, and this festival also showcases the international flavour of players who have been won over by the joy of playing Gaelic games. Ar aghaidh linn le chéíle."
Trina Murray, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, said: “On behalf of the LGFA, I want to wish every player, coach, official and supporter the very best of luck. Opportunities like the World Games create lifelong memories and friendships, while also inspiring future generations to get involved in our games. We hope everyone enjoys the occasion, embraces the spirit of competition and camaraderie, and takes great pride in representing their teams on the international stage.”
Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, said: “I have no doubt the 2026 oneills.com GAA World Games in Waterford will once again be a fantastic celebration of Camogie and Gaelic games, while also highlighting the exciting future that exists for our associations across the world.
“I would also like to thank O'Neills for their support in making this event possible. Bainigí taitneamh as na cluichí.”
Kevin Cooke, President of GAA Handball, said: “GAA Handball is delighted to be part of the World Games and will have 19 players competing during the event. We extend our very best wishes to all athletes as they prepare to represent their clubs, counties, and countries on the international stage.”
Paula Doherty, President of GAA Rounders, said: “On behalf of GAA Rounders I want to wish all participants the best of luck. The very best of rounders will be on display and we encourage everybody in their down time during the week to take a game in and see what GAA Rounders, a code which is really growing, can offer for their club.”
James Towell, Financial Controller of sponsors O’Neills, said: “O’Neills is proud to be both the official sponsor and official kit provider to over 100 teams participating in the GAA World Games 2026. We are delighted to support an event that truly reflects the global growth and reach of Gaelic games.
“The GAA World Games is a unique celebration of sport, culture, and community, bringing together players from across the world who share a passion for the sport. The participation of teams from so many countries and regions is a testament to the dedication, commitment and spirit that exists within the global GAA family.
“At O’Neills, we have been supporting Gaelic games for generations, and we are proud to play a role in helping players represent their clubs, counties, and countries on this international stage. We look forward to welcoming teams from around the world to Waterford this July and celebrating the friendship, inclusion and competition that make the GAA World Games such a special event.”
Teams will compete in Gaelic football, ladies football, hurling and camogie while there will be a handball competition and rounders exhibitions.
This year’s event will see an increase of approximately 20pc in entry numbers on the most recent World Games, which was hosted in Derry in 2023.
All fixtures are open to the public and supporters are welcome to attend the matches throughout the week as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.