Samba meets Sliotar as Galway GAA club goes global
They have gone worldwide
Samba meets Sliotar - Gort GAA Goes Global as Brazilian‑Irish Stars help U‑15 Team to Championship Win.
Across Ireland, GAA clubs continue to welcome children of all backgrounds, encouraging them to pick up a hurley and take part in a tradition that builds fitness, teamwork and community identity.
The Gort GAA Club celebrated championship glory in 2026 with a hard‑fought victory in the U‑15 County Final, capping off an exceptional season.
The celebrations carried a distinctive Brazilian flair, honouring the squad’s achievement as winners of the 2026 A1 Hurling Division.
Often referred to as “Little Brazil,” Gort is a town of around 2,800 inhabitants and is home to a large Brazilian Community that embraced the GAA culture.
The team reflects the town’s vibrant cultural mix and six of the their players proudly carry Brazilian surnames, underscoring the inclusive and evolving nature of Gaelic games.
Players such as Arthur Fernandes, Nicholas Dias, Pedro Castro, Kevin Souza and Kyle Cristaldo — who earned Man of the Match in the County Final — exemplify how hurling continues to grow as a sport that welcomes all who step onto the pitch wearing an Irish parish jersey.
Gort GAA’s success highlights a wider national trend: young athletes from diverse backgrounds embracing one of Ireland’s oldest games, strengthening both local clubs and community spirit.