Porto, one of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities, has long served as a crucial gateway city, linking the Gaelic Football stronghold of Galicia to the rest of the continent. Now, this hub of cultural and economic exchange has become the latest stage for the spread of Gaelic Games. With its strategic importance and rich cultural tapestry, Porto offers fertile ground for the growth of our beloved sports and the burgeoning Iberian GAA community.
Porto Gaels GAA – Founded in 2024 by a group of passionate players and supporters, the club is already making waves in the local sports scene. At the heart of this movement is Niamh McKinstry, an Armagh native with Gaelic Games in her DNA. Her father, Colm McKinstry, was an Armagh legend, an All-Ireland finalist in 1977, and an All-Star footballer. A towering figure in Ulster football, Colm’s impact on the sport was immense, both as a fierce competitor and as a mentor who embodied the values of the GAA. Though he passed away in 2021, his influence continues through Niamh, who is now carrying on his legacy—not on the fields of Ulster, but on the sun-drenched pitches of Portugal.
We spoke to Niamh to discuss the journey so far, her experiences playing GAA around the world, and the exciting future for Gaelic Games in Portugal.
How did the club come to life?
It all started in early 2024 when Joan Wilson (Cork) and Sinead Troy (Dublin) connected with a few like-minded people in Porto who shared a love for Gaelic football. They planted the seeds and set up a committee, but things really kicked off in August when Niamh landed and helped push training sessions forward.
“I’ve played GAA before in the Cayman Islands, where there are over 500 members, so when I moved to Porto, I knew I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to keep playing and growing the sport here. My dad was an Armagh player and an All-Star back in the day, so I basically grew up on a Gaelic pitch—it’s in the blood!”
Cayman Island GAA – “The GAA in the Cayman Islands is huge! There’s a league that runs from February to June with 12 men’s teams and 9 ladies’ teams, and we have both a league and a championship round each season. The national team competes in the USGAA Finals each year—we were in San Francisco this August, and in previous years we played in Denver and Chicago. We’ve come up against teams from Dallas and San Francisco, and the standard is incredibly high. We had lots of Caymanians, South Africans, and Canadians in the team—many of them giving the Irish players a serious run for their money, they were very good!
Any shoutouts from your time in the Cayman Islands? – “Definitely! A big shoutout to the Sarsfields ladies’ team last year—they were a fantastic bunch to play with. Also, a huge thanks to Cathal McGrath and his team for running the league. Cathal was the chairperson, and he was unbelievably organised—it wouldn’t have been the same without him!”
What inspired the establishment of the Porto Gaels?
“Porto is a global city, full of different nationalities, yet it was missing a GAA club. With clubs popping up worldwide, we felt there was a great chance to introduce Gaelic Games to the city. Also, Matosinhos in Porto has been named the European City of Sport for 2025, so it’s the perfect time to raise awareness of Gaelic football.”
“We’ve also built strong connections with Kelto Vigo in Spain and other teams across Portugal and Iberia. In fact, we’re hosting the first-ever Gaelic football tournament in Porto on March 22nd, featuring Kelto Vigo and the Lisbon Celtiberos—it’s a huge milestone for us!”
Who makes up the club’s membership?
“We have a diverse group—expat teachers, Erasmus students from the local university, and even a few hurlers from Kilkenny and Clare. Interestingly, most of our players are non-Irish, which is fantastic because it shows the universal appeal of Gaelic Games. Local Portuguese players are showing a lot of interest, so our training sessions cater to both beginners and experienced players.”
What have been the biggest challenges in setting up the club?
“The main challenges have been funding and finding a permanent pitch. We’ve received great support from GAA Portugal’s Jon Gilsenan and Jon Burke in Lisbon, who helped with start-up equipment like hurleys and sliotars.”
“Now, we’re actively seeking sponsorships to help cover pitch hire, jerseys, and essential gear. We’d also love to purchase goalposts and secure a more permanent training ground to develop our players properly.”
Want to Get Involved?
Porto Gaels is welcoming new players, supporters, and sponsors! Whether you’re an experienced Gaelic footballer or a curious beginner, you can join the club easily by sending them a message on Instagram, link below.
For potential sponsors, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a historic sporting movement in Porto. The club is currently fundraising for essential equipment, including goalposts, jerseys, and most urgently—hurls! With Kilkenny man, Aiden McGrath on the committee, it won’t be long before a few sliotars are flying over the The Dom Luís!
If you can help Porto Gaels get the right gear to grow the game, they’d love to hear from you.
The rise of Porto Gaels is more than just another chapter in the international growth of the GAA. It is a testament to the enduring power of our games—to unite, to inspire, and to leave a legacy that stretches beyond borders.
And through it all, Colm McKinstry’s legacy continues—not just in the fields of Armagh, but in the hearts and passion of his daughter, Niamh, and the community she is helping to build. From Armagh to the Cayman Islands, and in the heart of Portugal, a new generation is picking up the torch—one kick, one pass, and one new player at a time.
