In the ever-expanding story of Gaelic Games in Europe, Erasmus+ has emerged as a game-changing platform for building lasting connections between young people, schools, and communities. Two recent projects, both led by pioneering French GAA clubs, and passionate volunteers, showcase exactly why this programme is an investment in the future of the GAA across the continent.
From April 29th to May 2nd, 24 students from Collège Marguerite Berger in Pas-en-Artois took part in their first-ever Erasmus+ tour to Ireland. Organised through the school-based GAA club, Killienne’s GAA, this groundbreaking exchange offered students a first taste of competitive play and cultural immersion through the lens of Gaelic Games.
Killienne’s GAA, founded in 2022, is run entirely within the school and doesn’t yet have an adult section. Many students had previously been introduced to Gaelic football during PE classes, but for most, this was their first experience of competition, community, and the wider GAA family.
Beginning at Blackrock Secondary School, students participated in cultural workshops, language exchanges, and their very first céilí. The sporting highlight came with a Gaelic football blitz, introducing students (many for the first time) to the skills and spirit of Ireland’s native games.
A visit to the iconic Croke Park and seeing Killienne’s GAA crest on the Club Wall made the moment all the more special. The programme continued with a warm welcome at St. Declan’s College, where students explored both Irish and French heritage before trying their hand at hurling.
More than just a school trip, this Erasmus+ experience has laid the foundations for future exchanges, with hopes already high for hosting Irish students in France in the coming years. It serves as a powerful reminder that sport is more than a game – it is a bridge that connects cultures and communities across borders.
Just days earlier, and overlapping for a short period, the Erasmus+ project from Lycée Jean Guéhenno de Fougères also landed in Ireland, this time in County Louth. Their packed week, led by teachers Olivier and Fabien, was coordinated with Glen Emmets GFC and several partner schools.
The group wasted no time diving in. After cheering on Louth in the Leinster Senior Football semi-final, they got straight to the action, engaging in competitive matches with students from St. Aidan’s CBS and De La Salle High School, sharing cultural presentations, and training with Cooley Kickhams’ youth teams.
Students received practical introductions to both Gaelic football and hurling, attended a U17 Leinster quarter-final, and explored Ireland’s GAA heritage with visits to the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence and the hallowed turf of Croke Park. They even tried their hand at rounders and handball.
The trip closed with a symbolic hike to the summit of Slieve Foy, marking the high point, both literally and emotionally – of an unforgettable journey.
Erasmus+ and the Future of GAA in Europe
These two stories are not just heartwarming success tales; they are a clear blueprint for what’s possible. Erasmus+ is proving to be a vital tool for growing the games in a sustainable and inclusive way. For many students, this was their first time traveling abroad, their first time playing in a Gaelic match, and their first moment feeling part of the global GAA family.
At Gaelic Games Europe, we are committed to building on this momentum. With the support of Erasmus+, we are actively encouraging more school clubs, regional boards, and community groups to get involved. This is not just a short-term win, it is the foundation of long-term development, cultural exchange, and grassroots growth.
The appetite is there, the partnerships are forming, and the potential is limitless. Let’s keep building. Let’s grow together.
