GAA President Jarlath Burns in Conversation with Consul General Micheál Smith at Páirc na nGael
On June 1, 2025, the San Francisco GAA was honored to host Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, during our annual St. Patrick’s Cup at Páirc na nGael. Against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco Bay and a weekend of thrilling Gaelic games, President Burns sat down for a wide-ranging conversation with Micheál Smith, Consul General of Ireland in San Francisco.
Their discussion touched on the heart of what it means to belong to the GAA—at home and abroad.
“This place wasn’t just built—it was willed.”
In front of a packed room of club members, players, and supporters, Jarlath spoke movingly about the power of community. Seeing Páirc na nGael for the first time, he acknowledged what so many here already know: this pitch and this community didn’t just happen. It was built by vision, volunteerism, and resilience—qualities that define both the Irish abroad and the GAA itself.
A Vision for Gaelic Games Around the World
The conversation, recorded live during the St. Patrick’s Cup, spans topics that resonate far beyond Treasure Island:
Jarlath’s journey from Silverbridge to the GAA presidency
The evolving amateur status of the game and player welfare
Global expansion of Gaelic Games and the World GAA review
Equity in integration with LGFA and Camogie
The future of Gaelic sports, including youth engagement
Olympic potential and the impact of hosting the NFL’s Steelers at Croke Park
The legacy and symbolism of rebuilding Casement Park
Jarlath’s reflections are rooted in personal stories, Irish values, and a global perspective. His leadership makes clear that the GAA’s future must be both inclusive and ambitious.
Honoring Legacy, Community, and the Irish Abroad
As the conversation drew to a close, President Burns quoted poet Máirtín Ó Direáin, reflecting on the legacy of those who build community through quiet, lasting work—like digging a ditch or laying a foundation. For him, and for all of us, Páirc na nGael is such a legacy: a place that offers young Irish people peace of mind, purpose, and pride—wherever in the world they may find themselves.
We thank President Jarlath Burns for his visit, and Consul General Micheál Smith for facilitating a rich and generous exchange of ideas. This day, like this club, reminds us that no matter where we are, the spirit of the GAA is alive and well.
Watch the Full Conversation
Recorded at Páirc na nGael during the 2025 St. Patrick’s Cup Finals
