GAA New York and Boston Tour 2024

Since 1845, Queen’s University Belfast has been a staple institution in the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s society. For almost 180 years, our world-leading research and pioneering influence has contributed to seismic change at a local, national and global level. From scientists and engineers to poets and philosophers, there is no end to the range of innovators who have passed through the doors of Queen’s, taking their place as leaders in their fields, and as inspirations to the generations coming behind them.

From 7-17 June, it was Queen’s Sport taking centre-stage, as a generation of global ambassadors embarked on a GAA tour in North America, supported by a team of expert staff and coaches. The men’s Sigerson team played two exhibition games: one against New York County in the iconic Gaelic Park in New York City, and another against a USA select team at the Irish Cultural Centre in Boston. The Ladies Gaelic Football team took on New York and Boston selects in exhibition games at the same venues

The tour was part of the Sigerson Centenary and Ladies Football Thirty Anniversary celebrations. It also served as a key initiative in growing our global partnerships and developing opportunities for academic collaboration, alumni and civic engagement for Queen’s Sport and beyond.

Victories in New York Set the Tone

The tour began on a high note with the teams recording significant victories against New York GAA at the iconic Gaelic Park. These initial successes set the tone for the tour, as the teams continued to excel in their subsequent matches along the East Coast.

QUB GAA Teams Triumph in Boston

Queen’s (QUB) GAA International Sporting Tour concluded with a triumphant final round of matches at the Irish Cultural Centre in Boston. Both the men’s and women’s Gaelic football teams maintained their unbeaten streak, showcasing their dominance on the international stage.

In ideal playing conditions, the Ladies Gaelic team delivered a resounding victory, defeating a Boston GAA select team with a score of 6-24 to 1-03. The Men’s Gaelic team mirrored this success with an impressive 2-25 to 1-10 win against US GAA.

Unique Experiences Off the Field

Apart from their on-field success, QUB GAA players enjoyed enriching off-field experiences. In Boston, they became the first GAA players to utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at New Balance HQ. This opportunity allowed the students to engage with cutting-edge sports technology and equipment, enhancing their athletic training and experience.

Exploring New York’s Financial District

A highlight of the tour was the visit to New York City, where the students explored the New York Stock Exchange. They received exclusive tours of First Derivative, the technology engineering specialist, and Options IT, which provides IT infrastructure to global financial sectors. Both companies are supporters of Queen’s Sport through the Brian Conlon GAA Scholarship and the Options Rowing sponsorship.

These visits were particularly valuable for students studying engineering, maths, and business management, as they explored potential career pathways in the United States.

Matthew Murnaghan, captain of the Sigerson Cup squad, expressed the significance of these experiences:

“It’s class really. It's something that you see in the movies, you see on the TV, and it's something that you never really dream of being a part of. We're feeling really lucky that we got to experience that today.”

He highlighted the potential job opportunities following their studies at Queen’s, inspired by meetings with Queen’s alumni now working in prominent positions in New York.

Engagements with Alumni and Business Stakeholders

The students also met with Queen’s alumni, gaining insights into their journeys from Belfast to successful careers in New York City.

Liz McLaughlin, Director of Campus and Student Life and the lead delegate on tour, emphasized the value of these interactions:

“When our students went down to the financial district they met people who had studied similar courses and were now in Wall Street companies. It was a fantastic experience for our students who were so enthralled and excited to hear about the opportunities for them as graduates.”

Celebrating Sigerson 100 and Women’s Gaelic Football

The “Belfast Spirit, Global Goals” International Sporting Tour was the highlight of Queen’s University’s Sigerson 100 celebrations, marking a century of competing in the premier intervarsity Gaelic Football competition for men. It also commemorated the 30-year anniversary of the foundation of the Ladies Gaelic Football team.

With matches, receptions and community engagements taking place in New York and Boston from June 7-17, the tour was a resounding success. The QUB GAA teams return home with victories, new experiences, and a strengthened sense of global community, concluding their historic and memorable journey in the United States.