The Winston-Salem GAA would like to wish all players from North America best of luck in the World games and especially our friends(and rivals :) ) from Raleigh GAA, Raleigh, NC. I know you will do yourselves, your club and North American Gaelic Football proud!

‘North Carolina Abú’!

On Thursday, March 5th 2015, Abu Dhabi will be hosting the first ever GAA World Games. This will take place in the Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi. There are 28 Teams from around the globe in total that will play at the GAA World Games in Abu Dhabi…

…20 Teams (10 men & 10 women) will play in the GAA World Cup – Teams from Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, New York, North America & the Middle East. This will be predominantly Irish players who are based in these Countries around the world

…8 Teams (4 men & 4 women) will play in the International World Cup – Teams from Canada, Galicia, Middle East & South Africa. These will be natives from the countries mentioned who have taken up our National games and excelled at them

Weekend Schedule

The GAA World Games will be played over 2 days, Friday 6^th March and Saturday 7^th March 2015

​Friday 6th March GAA World Games Day 1 – Zayed Sports City

• 28 Teams will play at the GAA World Games
• 20 Teams (10 men & 10 women) will play in the GAA World Cup – Teams from Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, New York, North America & the Middle East, This will be predominantly Irish players who are based in these Countries around the world.
• 8 Teams (4 men & 4 women) will play in the International World Cup – Teams from Argentina, Galicia, Middle East & South Africa. These will be natives from the countries mentioned who have taken up our National games and excelled at them.
• There will be a parade of all the Teams prior to the 1st games with the Abu Dhabi police marching band. We will have kids from Abu Dhabi wearing the jerseys of each of the International Units and flags from each Country in the parade.
• HH Sheikh Nayan former Sports Minister and member of the Royal Family will throw in the ball for the 1st game.
• The Group Games will be played on Day 1 to determine who reaches the knockout stages on Day 2.
• The Playing rules have been received by all Teams with the main differences being – it will be squads of 12 with 9 on the pitch and 3 rolling subs.
• The sin bin will replace the black card due to the restriction on squad sizes but the offences remain the same.
• The games are 9 minutes a side with a two minute break at halftime. Knockout games are 12 minutes a side and the finals are 15 minutes a side with a 3 minute break at half time.
• The rest of the rules are per the Official Guide of the GAA.
• Also on the the 6th February there will be a local Middle East competition that will include Gaelic football, hurling and Camoige. There will also be a one wall handball exhibition over the weekend.
• Friday is also targeted as a family fun day out and there will be lots of activities for the Kids including photographs with the Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy Cups .
• Friday night will see the presentations of the Middle East competition at McGettigans Irish Bar with a Band from Ireland, Dejaboo providing the entertainment.

• Saturday 7th March GAA World Games Day 2 –  Zayed Sports City
  • Middle East Juvenile games in the morning.
  • Skill sessions for the kids with GAA County players from Ireland.
  • Knockout stages of the World Games
  • Kids Gaelic match before GAA World Games finals
  • GAA World Games finals.
  • Presentation of the 1^st ever GAA World Cups for Mens & Ladies.
  • Closing ceremony at the Parc Rotana Hotel
  • Closing speeches will include Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Etihad and Aogan O Fearghail Uachtaran, Cumann Lúthcleas Gael
  • Selection of the 1^st  GAA World All Star Teams & MVP’s
  • Music will be provided by Dejaboo and Irish Dancing troupe Celtic Rhythms will also entertain the crowd.

• ​​Sunday 8th March – McGettigans Abu Dhabi
  • Farewell brunch for all the Teams with local band, Inis Oir,  providing the entertainment.
  • GAA World Games 2015 comes to a close.