The President of the GAA, Mr. Larry McCarthy to address Seanad Éireann

The Cathaoirleach, Senator Buttimer said “I am delighted that the GAA President, Mr Larry McCarthy has accepted my invitation to make this address to Seanad Éireann. Mr McCarthy is the first ever overseas GAA president to be elected and he has been central to the amalgamation of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association.

Under his stewardship, the GAA has played and continues to play an integral role in Irish life. The organisation’s core value of promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation as a community-based, volunteer-led organisation which enriches lives and communities is visible in every town and city the length and breadth of the island of Ireland.

As the largest sporting organisation in the State, the GAA has been central to civic life in Ireland since its foundation in 1884. In 2024, the GAA will celebrate 140 years in existence and it is testament to all those volunteers and players that its popularity has continued to grow from grassroots to the national stage on All-Ireland final days.

On President Biden’s recent visit to Ireland, he was thrilled to be given an excellent demonstration of both Gaelic football and Hurling at Farmleigh House by local volunteers and young players who were thrilled to show off their skills for the President of the United States. It was a great way to highlight one of the unique facets of Ireland. 

The GAA’s contribution to reconciliation among the different traditions on the island of Ireland and abroad and the way in which it facilitates and encourages the integration of new communities is an example to us all about how to welcome people from different backgrounds in order to enhance our shared Irish culture. It is a fantastic Irish organisation and I look forward to welcoming the President, Mr Larry McCarthy to Seanad Éireann for his address.    

The address to Seanad Éireann will be broadcast live on Oireachtas TV

ENDS

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