Iberia GAA have added another branch to their tree!
Cèltic Girona is Europe’s newest base for GAA, located between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean coast. Girona is a proud Catalan stronghold, known for its distinct identity, its internationally recognised old town and a rapidly growing university population. The city featured prominently in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, with its historic centre used for scenes set in Braavos and specific locations within King’s Landing, including the Great Sept of Baelor.
Most interesting about this forward step for Gaelic Games is the journey of the founder, Xavi Arnau
Xavi was introduced to Gaelic Games through the talented coaches at Experience Gaelic Games, based out of Na Fianna, Mobhi Road. Totally captivated but not totally satisfied, Xavi decided to stay in Mobhi Road to learn a little bit more and would make Na fianna his home club where he would play Junior football for the next four years.
As the lockdowns loomed, Catalonia was calling, and Xavi left Ireland in body but stayed in mind, quickly joining his new local club – Barcelona Gaels; Europe’s reigning 15-a-side Gaelic Football GAA champions. Na Fianna J10’s most improved player (2017 accolade) would go on to sweep up Iberian Intermediate Championship titles with Barca in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, even representing Catalonia on the world stage in the FRS World Games in 2023.
Above – the Catalan regional team at the 2025 Euro Games tournament.
Below – The Barcelona Gaels
Cèltic Girona is the 26th GAA club in Iberia, and the 3rd in Catalonia.
The foundations of Cèltic Girona were laid in 2021, when Gaelic football activity was first introduced through local sessions in the Girona area. These initiatives generated sustained engagement and participation, including attention from regional media outlets. A significant step followed in 2023, when a formal collaboration was agreed with the University of Girona, an institution with approximately 15,000 students and a strong focus on sport and physical activity. This partnership enabled regular training for students and supported the introduction of Gaelic football across several secondary schools in the region.
This structured progression from schools and universities into club competition culminated in November 2025, when Cèltic Girona was formally founded.
Club Leadership
The club is led by a founding committee that blends local leadership with experience gained across the European Gaelic Games network:
Xavi Arnau – Chairperson (former Barcelona Gaels and Na Fianna player)
Eva Nogueira – Public Relations Officer, higher education student
Marc Fuentes – Public Relations Officer, higher education student
Roger Pluma – Public Relations Officer, higher education student
Sebastià Molina – Treasurer, secondary school teacher
Joaquim Santiago – Secretary, former Sitges and Gaelicos do Gran Sol player
One of the defining characteristics of Cèltic Girona is its playing membership. The club currently has around 30 players, the majority of whom are from Girona or nearby areas. At present, only one player is Irish. Most players encountered Gaelic football for the first time locally – through education or community activity, and now form an open-access, mixed-gender team that reflects the diversity of the city itself. Players are drawn from a broad academic background, including Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Medicine, Biotechnology, History, Philology and Engineering.
Girona has a strong sporting profile, highlighted by Girona FC and its stadium at Montilivi, located beside the university sports complex. This proximity creates a highly visible and active sporting corridor within the city. Cèltic Girona aligns directly with the city’s existing sporting and educational infrastructure, offering a new team sport that complements local participation pathways while introducing an internationally recognised Gaelic code.
Goals for 2026
With official recognition secured, the club has identified a clear set of operational and development objectives, local growth first, developing a strong committee and club. Strenghten links with the Irish Diaspora, and has a strong representation at the 2026 World Games.
Above – A collection of jerseys that tells a story
Cèltic Girona brings local Catalan identity, enthusiasm, and energy to a growing Iberian GAA community, while also benefiting from the top-class facilities and institutional support of another major European university.
What makes this story resonate even more is the remarkable timeline that led to its formation. A visitor to Ireland was introduced to Gaelic Games through Experience Gaelic Games. What began as curiosity became passion. Passion became commitment. Commitment became leadership.
A tourist experienced Gaelic Games, fell under the spell, became a club player, represented his region internationally — and has now founded a club of his own.
A true full-circle moment.
Reflecting on his time with Europe’s leading Gaelic Football club – Barceona Gaels, Xavi said:
“It has been an honour and a pleasure to represent the Barcelona Gaels over all these years and to share this journey with people from every corner of Ireland. I will always be grateful for the memories and friendships made along the way, and I wish the club and everyone I met nothing but all the best.
Now the journey continues in Girona, close to my beloved family and hometown, where a new chapter begins with many new players eager to discover Gaelic football and Irish culture.
So until next time, it’s a farewell, not a goodbye”
Follow Cèltic Girona here for all updates
Follow Iberia GAA on linkedin here
For sponsorship queries, contact Xavi @ communications.celticgirona.europe@gaa.ie
