The Global Games Development fund provides significant support for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic Games.
Since 2013, through the Global Games Development Fund (GGDF) the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA has provided matched funding for development projects in GAA Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The fund provides financial support specifically for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic Games. Through the provision of financial assistance, the Fund aims to support the Irish Diaspora and strengthen Irish networks and Irish identity Internationally.
From supporting 14 projects in 2013, the fund has grown and now receives 100+ project applications each year from 33 different countries. Some projects are once-off events, others have activities lasting the year. All have been truly inspirational and beneficial.
In 2020, approximately 112 applications were received from around the world for the Global Games Development Project. Of those applications, a total of 75 projects were granted awards. This was primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented circumstances that our Clubs abroad faced. Unfortunately, GAA initiatives and activities were postponed all over the World.
With this in mind, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Gaelic Athletic Association collectively decided to revisit the GGDF project and put in place a support mechanism. It was decided to re-purpose the unspent funding and distribute the monies to our struggling international clubs and in particular to the clubs who actively engaged in supporting their communities worldwide.
73 International clubs and boards benefitted from this additional funding to aid with costs associated with insurance, pitch rental, match day costs, equipment and COVID 19 safety measure costs. It is hoped that these grants will positively reflect within communities abroad in keeping GAA clubs supported, and to aid the units as they strive to continue operations during these difficult & unprecedented times with the resultant & unpredicted expenses.
In today's world, we witness change and uncertainty but our commitment to the Irish abroad remains steadfast.
We would like to acknowledge the support from our partners the Department of Foreign Affairs for their ongoing support.
Aine Gibney
GAA International Officer.