Brittany GAA
an inspiration for Gaelic Games worldwide ?
As a Celtic land with strong ties to Ireland, Brittany has provided fertile ground for the growth of Gaelic sports for nearly 30 years.
It is, in fact, one of the first places in the world where the development of Gaelic games has taken place primarily among the local population.
development
The first Gaelic football clubs were founded in the early 2000s in Rennes and Brest, quickly leading to the establishment of a Breton championship.
In 2008, the Ligue Bretonne des Sports Gaéliques (Breton Gaelic Sports League) was established to unite clubs and support the sport’s development.
Brittany now boasts 13 clubs and 650 registered members (men and women, adults and youth), with between 20 and 30 teams competing in various championships.
However, while most international clubs generally consist of Irish expatriate communities, approximately 95% of Breton members are non-Irish.
To support its growth, the League has relied on the passion and commitment of its members for Gaelic sports.
With support from the GAA, it has implemented numerous training programs, enabling it to have certified coaches and referees.
Gaelic Football Competitions in Brittany
Across almost all of Brittany, you’re now less than an hour away from a Gaelic football club. Around 100 matches, spread across approximately 40 events, are scheduled throughout the year :
- 17 men’s teams compete in a two-division championship and the Brittany Cup
- 6 women’s teams play in a single-division league
- Several youth sections exist within the clubs
Both adults and youth also take part in the French Championship and European competitions
Other Gaelic sports
Gaelic handball sections have emerged in recent years. However, hurling is not yet played regularly, although some clubs occasionally offer introductory sessions.
Key figures
clubs in Brittany
of native players (non-irish)
members
participations in the GAA World Games
Brittany representative teams
In 2012, the first international Gaelic football match took place, pitting Brittany against Galicia.
Since then, our representative teams, composed of Brittany’s top players, have regularly taken part in the GAA World Games and the Gaelic Euro Games.
Cultural links
The growth of Gaelic football in Brittany is no coincidence : it is deeply rooted in a rich cultural environment and strong bonds of friendship with Ireland. Brittany has around 100 twinning agreements between Breton and Irish towns, as well as direct ferry and flight connections.
The Bretons have also found a strong connection with the uniqueness of the GAA and its model for preserving Gaelic culture and language. This model has been reflected locally through the promotion of another Celtic language — Breton — and the development of Gaelic games across a historically united Brittany comprising all five departments.
Major events such as the Interceltic Festival of Lorient also offer opportunities to promote Gaelic games and foster cultural exchange.
Several Breton teams have also had the chance to visit Ireland for official or friendly matches, paving the way for new exchanges and partnerships.
