The Benelux Museum
A journey through the history of Gaelic Games in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and beyond.
First Documented Hurling Match in Europe
The earliest recorded hurling match outside of Ireland takes place, laying the foundation for Gaelic Games abroad.
GAA Founded in Ireland
The Gaelic Athletic Association is founded in Thurles, Ireland, to preserve and promote Irish sports and culture.
Ireland Joins the EEC
The Republic of Ireland joins the European Economic Community, sending diplomats to establish new missions on the continent - setting the stage for GAA clubs to follow.
Source: EPIC Museum
Den Haag GAA Founded
Mary Gavin founds Den Haag GAA in the Netherlands, establishing one of the oldest GAA clubs on mainland Europe. The club has since become continental Europe's most successful Gaelic football club.
Source: Den Haag GAA
Luxembourg GAA Founded - Europe's Oldest
Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg is formally established, becoming the oldest GAA club on the European mainland. Founded when Irish people moved to the Grand Duchy to work in European institutions.
Source: Wikipedia
EC Brussels (Youth) Established
EC Brussels Youth section is established, beginning youth development in Gaelic Games in Belgium.
Source: Gaelic Games EuropeEuropean County Board Founded
On November 22, 1999, GAA President Joe McDonagh and representatives from five clubs (Brussels, Den Haag, Luxembourg, Paris, Guernsey) meet in Amsterdam to formally found the GAA's European County Board.
Source: Wikipedia
Amsterdam GAA Founded
Amsterdam Gaelic Athletic Club is founded on St. Patrick's Day. The club grows to become one of Europe's leading GAA clubs, eventually winning 7 European Senior Football Championships.
Source: Wikipedia
Brussels Craobh Rua GAA Founded
Brussels Craobh Rua (formerly Belgium GAA) is founded, becoming one of the cornerstones of the Irish expat community in Belgium. The club grows to over 150 adult members.
Source: Brussels Craobh Rua
Maastricht Gaels Founded
Tony Bass establishes the Maastricht Gaels club in the Netherlands, later becoming a key figure in European GAA development.
Source: GAA.ieFirst Official Benelux Championship
The inaugural Benelux GAA Championship is held, with Luxembourg winning the first Men's Football title.
Brussels Ladies Football Established
Dubliner Barbara Wynne establishes the Brussels ladies football team, expanding the women's game in Belgium.
Source: Balls.ie
Cologne Celtics Founded
The Cologne Celtics are established in Germany, expanding the Benelux-affiliated clubs into the Rhineland.
Mary Gavin Receives GAA President's Award
Mary Gavin, founder of Den Haag GAA in 1979, is recognized with a GAA President's Award for her outstanding contribution to Gaelic Games in Europe.
Source: Den Haag GAA
Eindhoven Shamrocks Founded
Eindhoven Shamrocks GAA is established in the Netherlands, adding another Dutch city to the growing network.
Amsterdam Begins European Dominance
Amsterdam GAA wins the first of seven European Senior Football Championships (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023).
Source: Wikipedia
Leuven, Hamburg & Darmstadt GAA Founded
Three new clubs are established: Earls of Leuven (Belgium), Hamburg GAA (Germany), and Darmstadt GAA (Germany), significantly expanding the region's footprint.
Luxembourg Wins European Championship
Luxembourg GAA wins the European 15-a-side Championship, breaking Amsterdam's winning streak.
Groningen Gaels Founded
Groningen Gaels are established in the northern Netherlands, expanding Gaelic Games to new regions.
Mary Gavin's World Gaelic Games Trophy
The Camogie Association names their World Gaelic Games trophy in honor of Mary Gavin, recognizing her pioneering role in European GAA.
Source: Den Haag GAACOVID-19 Pandemic Challenges
Despite global challenges, Benelux GAA clubs adapt with online training and virtual tournaments to keep the community connected. Championships not played.
Tony Bass Receives GAA President's Award
Tony Bass is honored with a GAA President's Award for his tireless work as GGE chairperson, secretary, development officer, and representing Europe on the GAA Central Council.
Source: GAA.ie
Nijmegen GFC Founded
Nijmegen Gaelic Football Club is established in the Netherlands, becoming one of the newest clubs in the region.
Amsterdam Makes Hurling History
Amsterdam GAA becomes the first team to represent Europe in the All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship.
Source: WikipediaBenelux GAA Formally Established
Benelux GAA is officially established as the governing body for Gaelic Games across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and affiliated German clubs.
Source: Benelux GAAGAA World Games Participation
Players from across the Benelux region represent their clubs at the GAA World Games in Derry, Ireland.
Brussels Reaches 34 European Titles
Brussels Craobh Rua celebrates 34 championship wins in just over 20 years: 8 Hurling, 10 Camogie, 13 Ladies Football, and 3 Men's Football European Championships.
Source: Brussels Craobh RuaAmsterdam Makes History: First European Club to Win Leinster Title
Amsterdam GAC defeats Longford Slashers 0-15 to 0-14 in the Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Championship Final, becoming the first Europe-based club ever to win a Leinster title. Grahame McDermott's winning point in the final seconds seals a landmark victory for Gaelic Games in Europe.
Source: RTÉ SportEvent Categories
Historical information sourced from official GAA records, club websites, and verified publications.
Click on source links for more details on each event.