Canada GAA Memorial Cups

Ahead of the Canadian National Championships, Canada GAA has announced the naming of a number of Championships after individuals who contributed to Gaelic Games in Canada.

The naming of Championships in honour of these individuals is a tribute to the work they accomplished during their time. Without the foresight and ambition of these volunteers Gaelic Games would not be in the position of strength that it currently is, in Canada.

The Senior Men's Football cup is named after Sean Harte, the Intermediate Men's Football cup is named after Matt Healy and the Junior Men's Football cup is named after James Speiran.

SEAN HARTE

Sean Harte was born in the townland of Striff in County Tyrone and moved to Canada in 1974 with his then fiancé Noelle. Sean first played with St Vincents when he arrived in Toronto before he later joined St Mike's where he coached and watched his son and daughter play. Sean was a very active referee across Canada and the US for over thirty years, officiating games in the Western, Eastern and Toronto Divisions
throughout the years.
Sean held several roles on different committees including the organising committee that brought the SkyDome Games to Toronto in 1990 and 1991 as well as the LGFA 2012 All Star trip to Toronto. Sean was also an active member of Club, Divisional and County committees, he held the role of Canada GAA Chairperson from 2015-2020 before taking the role of Vice Chairperson in 2021 and County Secretary in 2022.
Under Sean's guidance the GAA in Canada flourished and the inaugural Canadian Gaelic Games Championships took place for the first time ever in Toronto in 2022. In 2019 Sean was awarded the O'Neills TeamTalk overseas GAA award and in 2022 he received the prestigious "Services to the GAA Overseas" award from Ulster GAA for his contribution to GAA in Canada over the forty plus years of involvement.
In 2023 Sean was recognised as the Irish Person of the Year in Toronto for his unwavering dedication to the GAA community and the Irish diaspora in Toronto and across Canada. Sean sadly passed away in November 2023 and is missed dearly by his family, friends and the GAA community across the world

JAMES SPEIRAN

James “Jimmy” Speiran, born in Dublin, Ireland, and a pillar of the Vancouver Irish community, passed away on March 1, 2022. For over three decades, Jimmy was more than just a supporter of Gaelic games in Vancouver—he was the heart and soul of the community, connecting long-standing ex-pats and new arrivals from Ireland alike.
In 2011, John O’Flynn wrote a tribute to Jimmy, recognizing his lifetime contribution to the Irish community in Vancouver. He noted, “For almost 36 years, Jim has been at the pulse of the local Vancouver GAA and Irish community. You have a unique talent and a gift for ‘memories’ that are so wonderfully shared—and for that we are grateful.”
Jimmy’s journey to Vancouver began in 1967 when he and his wife Maureen moved west after a brief and chilly stint in Montreal. A radio officer on Merchant Ships by trade, Jimmy transitioned to a long career with Canadian Pacific Airlines, working there until his retirement in 2001. Yet, it was his love for all things Irish that truly defined his life in Vancouver.
Jimmy’s influence extended far beyond the Gaelic football pitch. He was instrumental in bringing Gaelic games from Ireland to Vancouver in the mid-1990s, ensuring the local community stayed connected with the sports they loved. He coordinated the delivery of taped games from Ireland and Edmonton, often at
personal expense, until these games became more accessible.
Even after his passing, Jimmy’s legacy lives on in the Vancouver Irish community. His encyclopedic knowledge of Gaelic games and unwavering support made him everyone’s favorite supporter in Vancouver. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit remains woven into the fabric of the community he loved so dearly.

MATT HEALY

Matt Healy was born & raised in Tralee, Co. Kerry. From an early age Matt was a member of the local John Mitchells GAA Club. Matt’s journey took him to Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry in the mid 1970's where he was a
proud member of the local St Michael’s GAA club.
Emigration to Toronto followed in 1987. He soon found himself involved in the local GAA community again, a passion which filled his life with many great friends and equally many great moments. During his early years in Canada he was manager and Chairman of club side Clan na Gael.
He was a founding member as well as manager of both the Ladies & Mens teams for the Durham Robert Emmets GFC. He led in title and by example in every area of the Gaelic Athletic Association, chairing committees across his clubs, division, CCC as well as being a Toronto Board President & Trustee. He was part of organizing committee for the historic St Patrick's Day Skydome games in 1990.
As a referee Matt was also heavily involved in officiating and remained the final word on rules and regulations across the country.
His final and proudest post was that of Cathaoirleach, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Contae Canada, presiding over the inaugural Canadian Championships in 2022.