GAA president Jarlath Burns wants to see the All-Ireland senior football champions begin their championship campaign in New York. As Connacht counties bemoan the financial costs associated with beginning their provincial championship in Gaelic Park every April, Burns has suggested the previous year’s winners commence their defense in the Big Apple.
Burns said: “That first round of the championship in New York is a very important part of what New York GAA are about. They look forward to it, that’s their main economic driver as well. The agreement that they have with Connacht is starting to come to an end. Personally, I would like to see the All-Ireland champions go out and start their championship every year in New York. It would be a fantastic weekend for everybody.”
Galway travelled to New York this year and it’s Roscommon’s turn to go in 2026 but the viability of it has been brought into question as the trip is estimated to cost over €250,000. Connacht secretary John Prenty said that a review will take place after next year when the current rota of counties heading stateside is completed.
New York’s profile has increased in recent times. They beat Leitrim in the Connacht senior championship in 2023 in a dramatic penalty shootout and have won the All-Ireland junior football championship three years in a row.
Burns’s reported comments, however, didn't make absolutely clear whether the Sam champions would actually play New York in a new arrangement or a regular provincial game as their title defense opener. There are those, no doubt, who would see the attraction of a Kerry vs. Cork or a Mayo vs. Galway game in the Big Apple.
