Summer in Ireland means one thing for sports fans. It is GAA Championship season. The GAA is Ireland's largest sports organization. It runs competitions in hurling and Gaelic football. These traditional sports have been played for over 130 years.
The 2026 football championship has a brand new format. Sixteen county teams compete for the famous Sam Maguire Cup. Kerry are the defending champions from last year. Other strong contenders include Dublin, Galway, and Tyrone. The quarter-final draw takes place this week.
What makes the GAA special is its amateur tradition. Even the best players do not receive a salary. They play for the love of the game. Nearly every town in Ireland has its own GAA club. These clubs are the heart of local communities.
Hurling is another exciting GAA sport which fans adore. It is one of the fastest field sports in the world. Players use wooden sticks to hit a small ball. If you ever visit Ireland in summer, you should attend a match. The atmosphere at Croke Park stadium is truly remarkable.
