5 days ago
Preparations begin for Waterford to host 2026 World GAA Games
The World GAA Council made the decision on the host city on Friday, August 1, following a shortlist of submissions from Waterford, Kerry and Derry.
The five-day event will feature matches over four days at SETU Arena, West Campus, Carriganore, County Waterford from July 13 – 16, 2026, with the finals taking place on Friday, July 17 in the county ground at Walsh Park.
The Waterford event will be the fifth staging of the World GAA Games since its inception in 2015. It is anticipated that upwards of 2,000 players will participate in the 100 or more football, hurling, camogie, and ladies football teams.
The GAA World Games, first held in 2015, celebrate the global reach of Ireland's native games and the efforts of volunteers and players across more than 560 clubs established outside of Ireland.
The confirmation that Waterford will host the 2026 World GAA Games has been welcomed by Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and party spokesperson on community development, Conor McGuinness.
Deputy McGuinness said the decision represents a vote of confidence in the strength of Gaelic games in Waterford, the power of community sport, and the world-class facilities available across the city and county.
'This is a huge honour for Waterford and a proud day for everyone involved in our local GAA clubs and communities. The decision by the World GAA Council to award the 2026 Games to Waterford is a recognition of the talent, commitment and infrastructure we have here - and of the deep love of Gaelic games that runs through every parish in the county.
'This is not just a sporting event - it's a homecoming for our national games,' added Deputy McGuinness. 'The World Games are about identity, belonging, and the unifying power of sport. They bring together Irish communities abroad, international players, and volunteers who've built something extraordinary around Gaelic games in every corner of the world.'
'This announcement also speaks to the outstanding quality of Waterford's facilities and infrastructure – especially SETU Arena and the redeveloped Walsh Park – and to the strength of the local bid, which saw off high-calibre submissions from Kerry and Derry.'
He added: 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Waterford – for our clubs, communities, and our children. I want to commend all those who made the bid a success.'
SETU Arena is Waterford's and the south east's largest sport, fitness and events centre and will play a huge part in hosting the event.
A spokesperson said that 'preparations are already underway to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, officials, and supporters from across the world'.
