Irish sports youth championships comes to Dublin

The city of Dublin will be hosting the Continental Youth Championships, a four-day series of sporting competitions of Irish sports of Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

Thousands of players ranging from ages 6 to 18 from different regional Gaelic Athletic Associations in North America will be attending the event for over 250 separate matches.

This year, the Continental GAA chose Dublin for this year’s competition because of its deep historical roots with the Irish-American community — along with the availability of quality fields and the city’s commitment to supporting recreational events.

“It is an honor for the city of Dublin, California, to host the upcoming Gaelic Games, and to welcome the many dignitaries from Ireland who are traveling a great distance to celebrate this event,” Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez said.

“I wish the many competitors a successful tournament,” she added.

The Irish Consulate in San Francisco will be hosting a “Pop Up Consulate” at the site of the competitions where they will provide information on Ireland and aid eligible attendees in applying for Irish citizenship, passports and visas.

“The consulate is very lucky to be able to participate in this incredible competition. Our staff and I will be on-site at the games, excited to meet both the local and continental communities, and cheer on some of the most talented children and young people in Irish sport. A huge thank you and congratulations to all the organizers,” Vice Consul Jennifer Chadwick said.

Board member James Quinn from the San Francisco Youth Gaelic Athletic Association estimates more than 250 games will be played in Dublin.

“The city of Dublin and the team at Visit Tri-Valley have welcomed these games and this community with open arms,” Quinn said. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Dublin and the Tri-Valley leaders, and we’re deeply appreciative for all they’ve done to welcome the games to Dublin.”

The event will be from this Thursday to Sunday (July 27-30) at Emerald Glen Park in Dublin. For more information and to view the schedule, visit https://cyctournament.org/tournament.