A group of 14 talented GAA ladies from the Salthill Knocknacarra club are set to travel to Lorient, Brittany this August to take part in a friendly Gaelic football match during the Celtic Tournament that will include players from Brittany and Galicia, at the renowned Lorient Interceltic Festival.
This historic sporting exchange is being coordinated by the Galway-Lorient Twinning Committee in collaboration with Galway City Council. It marks a major milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two cities, especially as 2025 celebrates the 50th anniversary of their official twinning.
The inclusion of a ladies team in the exchange for the first time is a landmark moment, reflecting both the growth of women’s sport and the broadening scope of cultural and community connections between Galway and Lorient.
“This is more than just a game,” noted Catherine Gagneux of the Galway-Lorient Twinning Committee. “It’s a celebration of friendship, equality, and shared values – and a step forward in expanding the types of connections we encourage between our two cities.”ll form part of the wider Celtic Tournament, which brings together teams from across the Celtic nations in a celebration of sport, music, and heritage.
“This is a very proud occasion for the local club and for the city and is a wonderful opportunity for Galway players not only to represent Galway abroad but also to be part of an international event that honours our shared Celtic culture,” she added.
The friendly match is expected to draw attention from festival-goers and local sports fans alike, shining a spotlight on women’s Gaelic football and fostering a deeper appreciation of Irish sporting culture in Brittany.
Organisers hope this exchange will be the first of many involving female athletes, as the twinning enters its sixth decade. The initiative aims to further strengthen and diversify the links between the communities of Galway and Lorient – building on years of collaboration through music, language, and cultural events.
As the players prepare for their journey to France, anticipation is building on both sides. The trip promises to be a memorable cultural and sporting experience, forging new bonds and paving the way for future generations of exchanges.
