– Highlights of the USGAA Finals 2023 as 120 teams unite in passion, rivalry, and unbreakable bonds
A unique sports and cultural documentary commissioned by Munster GAA will air on TG4 this Tuesday 31st of October. From the 18th-20th August a host of teams from all across North America travelled to Denver, Colorado for the USGAA finals. This enormous event took place at the Sandstone Ranch Complex in Longmont, Colorado and was hosted by the Denver Gaels club on behalf of the Southwest Division of the USGAA.
This three-day event saw over 120 teams in hurling, camogie, football and ladies football compete at various levels, from junior all the way up to senior level. This tournament determines the best teams whilst also giving teams a chance to develop and showcase their skills on one of the biggest platforms in the United States.
The documentary explores the passion of native players for Gaelic games and the incredible sense of community fostered amongst teams. We follow some of the newly-formed teams and teams based in non-traditionally Irish areas of the US and discover what GAA means to them. Gaelic games are open to people of all ages, genders, and skill levels and this inclusivity brings together a diverse group of individuals as they share their love for these sports, regardless of their background.
Throughout the programme, we get a sense the importance of homegrown players for the sustainability of the sport in North America, as more and more clubs form across the United States and further afield. We get a glimpse of what winning a national title means to these teams, and more importantly, how enjoyable it is to attend a tournament of this kind.
With the help of Munster GAA and USGAA we get a heart-warming insight into why the USGAA is the fastest growing unit within the GAA.
Director/Producer – Katie Nic Craith | Editors – Cian O’Halloran & Seanie Mac Craith
Ahead of the documentary airing Ger Ryan, Chairman of Munster GAA said: “The popularity of Gaelic Games outside of Ireland has grown significantly in recent times. Munster GAA are proud to be twinned with USGAA for the last number of years to provide them with assistance to put in place the infrastructure to help grow Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie and Ladies Football across North America. We are delighted to partner with Nemeton to help to bring to life the outstanding work being done by USGAA, its Divisions and Clubs in the form of this excellent programme.”
Chairman of USGAA, Bernie Connaughton said: “The USGAA Finals have gone from strength to strength each year and the 2023 edition hosted in Denver was our biggest ever event. We are delighted that this programme will give a glimpse in to the hard work which goes in to organising the event, and also the great sense of community and friendship which is fostered as so many our of clubs come together for a long weekend each summer”
The documentary is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht which has produced much of TG4’s acclaimed sports coverage.
The new documentary “USGAA sna Rockies – Cluichí Ceannais 2023” will air on TG4 Tuesday, 31st October at 8:00pm
