Czechs at the World Games
- CIBCA Committee
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Waterford 2026
The GAA World Games is a competition that recognises the expansion of Gaelic Games worldwide. Teams from all over the world travel to compete in various codes and categories.
The International categories are for homegrown (non-Irish) athletes and the open categories are primarily for more experienced, Irish athletes. Over 2000 players attended with 113 teams playing throughout the games in all codes.
This year, five players (and a few fans) travelled from Píobairí Strakonice in Czechia to compete with four players representing Central East Europe in International Hurling, and one managing the CEE team as well as playing for Benelux in Open Hurling.
The scale of the event was on full display during the opening ceremony. All teams marched in procession through the centre of Waterford with onlookers filling the streets. The procession concluded at the main square where the crowd was addressed by Jarlath Burns, the President of the GAA, followed by a live concert.
Throughout the week, the team played two games per day until the knockouts, where they were eliminated from the division 2 shield semi-final against a team from the USA.
Throughout the week at the arena there were cultural displays such as Irish dancing, Céilí, Trad music and Irish language tutorials
Highlights of the trip include visiting a local GAA club to watch training and participate in cultural exchange, sightseeing in Waterford and Tramore, and participating in the games themselves. Photos below capture the mood of the event.
Píobairí Strakonice is a GAA club in the Czech Republic. The club is open to all ages and ability levels. Anyone interested in Gaelic Games or Irish culture can find the club on all socials or the club website. Significant upcoming events include a hurling tournament in Vienna on September 3 and a handball tournament on September 12 in Strakonice.
You can follow Píobairí Strakonice on Facebook, Instagram and the club website.
Comments