London GAAThe GAA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are are to invest in the €5 Million redevelopment of Ruislip, the home of London GAA. It is planned that the refurbished facility will re-open for London’s Connacht championship match in May 2015.

The work will see the construction of a new stand – centrally covered, with terracing on the opposite side of the ground and will leave the facility fully enclosed bringing it to the level of county standard facilities across Ireland. The new 3,900 capacity facility will also house the administrative office for London GAA.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will contribute €600,000 towards the project from its Emigrant Support Programme and €1.4million will come from the GAA at central level. The outstanding balance will be met by London GAA and its clubs.

Read the outputs from our 2013 Sport for Business Round Table on Sport and the Irish Abroad.

“We are delighted to confirm details of this exciting new development which will serve the needs of London GAA and its clubs for many years to come,” said GAA President Liam O’Neill. “I have no doubt that the excellent new facility will play a central role in the ongoing growth and development of our games in the British capital”.

“Our investment in the new facilities at Ruislip recognises the central role of the GAA in the Irish Emigrant community in London,” added Eamon Gilmore, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“It’s often a first port of call for our newer emigrants, and a home from home for others. The development of Ruislip will make it a better place to play and to watch Gaelic Games in London and can only help reinforce the strong sense of community which is so evident amongst the many generations of Irish people living there.”

“The GAA is first and foremost a cultural movement and London GAA enables emigrants and people with Irish heritage to retain a connection to home and celebrate a sense of Irish identity,” said Noel Dunning, Chairman on the London Development Committee.

Overseas development is a key part of the GAA’s future plans.  The first touring team from Africa is in Ireland this week and teams are being developed across Europe, North America and Asia, often with more native players than emigrants.

The development of shorter sided hurling which can be played in the size of venue more common to soccer and US sport continues and it is likely that the new media rights deal to cover the next three years will have elements that recognise the developing interest in our national sports in the international arena.