GAA proposal has tourism goal
December 07, 2010
Former GAA President Sean Kelly
- Free-to-air Championship GAA matches suggested for US citizens
Fine Gael MEP and former GAA President, Sean Kelly, is proposing an innovative tourism campaign which will bolster traditional US-Irish tourism links.
"Some 42 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, not to mention those Irish people who recently emigrated to seek employment in the United States, and are keen to maintain all links with the homeland. This market holds enormous potential. I am asking the GAA to explore the possibility of offering free-to-air Championship GAA matches on American TV," Mr Kelly explained.
The Ireland South MEP, who is a member of the European Parliament's Sport and Culture Committee, believes the initiative could be developed by tourism bodies in Ireland and be used as a promotional opportunity.
"Speaking to GAA members belonging to the San Francisco club this week, it was clear that there is an enormous demand for such a service. The GAA has a massive following in America and these fans are also potential tourists who may lead to a boost in our tourism figures," he said.
Mr Kelly was delighted to meet Irish GAA players while in America as the sole Irish representative invited to the 69th EU-US Inter-parliamentary Meeting, due to his membership of the European Parliament's committee with responsibility for relations with the United States.
"While it is sad to see so many of our young, talented people move abroad to seek employment, it is reassuring to know that the Association continues to look after Irish people by welcoming them into a society that becomes a home from home."
Mr Kelly travelled via economy class to California, where he had already established strong links with local GAA clubs during his Presidency of the GAA. Tweet
