The President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, has praised Waterford for the outstanding organisation of the 2026 World GAA Games, describing the county as the perfect host for one of the biggest celebrations of Gaelic Games across the globe.
Speaking to WLR Sport’s Content Manager Seamus Barry at the SETU Arena, Burns highlighted the unique spirit of the Games, which have brought together thousands of players representing clubs from every corner of the world.
“This World GAA Games is all about participation. It’s all about enjoyment. It’s all about making memories and making friends,” Burns said.
The World GAA Games have transformed Waterford this week, with teams from across Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, Africa and South America competing in football, hurling, camogie, Handball, Rounders and ladies football while celebrating Irish culture through music, language and community.
Burns also thanked WLR for the extensive coverage of the tournament.
“Thanks to yourselves WLR, We really appreciate the profile you’ve given us. It’s local radio that keeps the GAA going in terms of media and media profile, and we thank all our local radio stations for doing that.”
The GAA President said the tournament is about much more than results on the field, with clubs across the world keeping Irish culture alive before returning home to Ireland to showcase their progress.
“When we go abroad, we take our games, our songs and our music with us. We create these little communities and they want to come back and showcase how they are playing their games to us back in Ireland.”
Praise for Waterford’s Organisation
He singled out Waterford GAA Chairman Neil Moore and former chairman Seán Michael Regan for their leadership, revealing that Regan’s work on the redevelopment of Walsh Park was so impressive that he later appointed him as Chair of the GAA’s National Infrastructure Committee.
The President was also full of praise for the work carried out by the local organising committee, Waterford GAA and Waterford City and County Council in delivering the tournament.
“Waterford people are very much at the heart of my presidency and I rely so much on them. Coming down here and seeing them is great for me.”
Burns also described the SETU Arena as the ideal venue for the international festival.
“You couldn’t build something better for this event. The SETU campus is tailor-made for it, and then to move out to Azzurri Walsh Park for the finals makes it a fantastic showcase.”
Finals Await at Azzurri Walsh Park
The action continues at SETU Arena until Thursday before attention turns to Azzurri Walsh Park on Friday, where the World GAA Games finals will bring the week-long festival to a close.
With glorious weather, packed pitches and a vibrant carnival atmosphere, the 2026 World GAA Games have already created unforgettable memories for players, supporters and volunteers alike.
For Waterford, it has been a chance to welcome the global GAA family, while for thousands of visitors, the Déise has become the centre of the Gaelic Games world.
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