Ireland
Ireland in France
Born in Ireland, Gaelic sports have found a second home in France. It is a bond you can feel on the pitch, in the clubs and at the big occasions.
Common roots
One movement
The Federation applies the principles of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which is based in Dublin, and is a member of the European Federation of Gaelic Games (Gaelic Games Europe).
The GAA
The international association for Gaelic sports, whose rules and principles the Federation follows.
Gaelic Games Europe
The European Federation of Gaelic Games: the European Championship, Pan Euros, the Euroleague and fixtures between clubs across the continent.
An institutional link
Through its executive bureau, the Federation keeps in touch with the European (GGE) and Irish (GAA) governing bodies.
In our clubs
Irish players in French clubs
Irish players play for our clubs, notably in Paris, Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand and Rennes. In 2018, a selection of Irish players based in France even faced the French national team in a friendly match.
These exchanges enrich club life: training sessions, tournaments, the “third half” and the passing on of rules and traditions.
St Patrick’s Day and institutions
Where we meet
The Federation maintains links with Irish institutions in France.
In March 2025, some of the members of the new Steering Committee celebrated St Patrick’s Day at the Irish Embassy in Paris, a few days after its first meeting.
The Channel Islands
Jersey and Guernsey are part of the Gaelic sports family in Europe. Their teams qualify automatically for Division 1 of the men’s French championship, and youth tournaments are held regularly in Jersey.
In the past there were dedicated competitions: the Channel Islands Challenge (2011-2012) and the Brittany – Channel Islands Tournament (2012-2014), whose winner qualified for the French championship.