Gaelic Games Start Thursday In Dublin

DUBLIN, CA — First there was St. Patrick’s Day. Now it’s time for the Gaelic Games. From Thursday to Sunday, Dublin will continue to live up to its name by hosting the Gaelic Athletic Association’s Continental Youth Championships, a four-day series of sporting competitions featuring Irish sports like Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

Thousands of players ages 6-18 from all over North America will descend onto Emerald Glen Park for over 250 separate matches. The Continental Gaelic Athletic Association, which sponsors the games, chooses a different location each year. This year, it selected Dublin due to its deep roots with the Irish-American community, its prime location, and its many high-quality fields.

“It is an honor for the City of Dublin, California, to host the upcoming Gaelic Games, and to welcome the many dignitaries from Ireland who are traveling a great distance to celebrate this event,” Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez said in a statement. “I wish the many competitors a successful tournament.”

In addition to the games, the Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco will host an on-site “Pop-Up Consulate” at Emerald Glen Park, which will provide information on Ireland, the consulate, and help eligible attendees apply for Irish citizenship, passports and visas.

“The Consulate is very lucky to be able to participate in this incredible competition,” said Vice Consul Jennifer Chadwick. “Our staff and I will be on-site at the games, excited to meet both the local and continental communities, and cheer on some of the most talented children and young people in Irish sport. A huge thank you and congratulations to all the organizers!”

“The City of Dublin and the team at Visit Tri-Valley have welcomed these games and this community with open arms," said San Francisco Youth Gaelic Association board member James Quinn. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Dublin and the Tri-Valley leaders, and we’re deeply appreciative for all they’ve done to welcome the games to Dublin.”

See here for a schedule and more information.