mayogaelicmasters.com > ABOUT

ABOUT

ABOUT THE

Mayo Gaelic Masters

The Mayo Gaelic Masters is an over-40s Gaelic football team representing County Mayo in the Gaelic Masters Association (GMA) competitions. The GMA, established in 2011 by Mayo native John Pat Sheridan, provides a platform for veteran players to continue competing at an inter-county level after their senior careers have concluded. The association operates independently of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) but reached an agreement in 2018 to utilize GAA grounds for matches, provided appropriate insurance is in place .

OUR TEAM
125

CLUB MEMBER

32

TROPHIES

08

COACHES

235

CLASSES

The Birth of the Gaelic Masters Association

In 2011, the Gaelic Masters Association (GMA) was established by John Pat Sheridan from Burrishoole, County Mayo, following the Gaelic Athletic Association's (GAA) decision to discontinue its Masters competitions in 2009 due to rising insurance costs.

Sheridan had attempted to reinstate the competitions through motions at the GAA Congress in 2010 and 2011, but both were unsuccessful. Consequently, the GMA was formed to provide a platform for players over 40 to continue participating in Gaelic football. Initially, the GMA operated independently of the GAA, facing challenges such as limited access to official GAA grounds. However, in 2018, an agreement was reached allowing the GMA to use GAA facilities, provided appropriate insurance was in place.

video-thumb

A Landmark Year for Masters Football

In 2018, a significant development occurred for the Gaelic Masters Association (GMA) when it reached an agreement with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). This accord permitted GMA teams, including the Mayo Gaelic Masters, to utilize official GAA grounds for training and matches, provided they secured appropriate insurance coverage. Prior to this agreement, the GMA operated independently of the GAA and often had to rely on public pitches, as access to GAA facilities was restricted. The 2018 agreement marked a pivotal moment, facilitating better infrastructure and support for Masters football.

That year also saw robust participation in the Masters Football Championship, with 16 counties competing: Antrim, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim/Longford, London, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tyrone, and Westmeath.

video-thumb

A Year of Triumph and Recognition for Mayo Gaelic Masters

In June, Mayo secured a decisive 1-10 to 1-6 victory over Galway in the fourth round of the Gaelic Masters Championship at Swinford Amenity Park. An early goal by Jarlath McDonagh set the tone, while standout performances from Brian Lynskey, Alan Moran, Jimmy Killeen, and Paul McDonagh extended the lead. Goalkeeper Kieran O'Malley made several crucial saves, conceding only a late consolation goal to Galway.

Later that year, the team was honored with a Special Award at the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Awards. This accolade recognized their commitment to promoting community health, inclusion, and camaraderie through sport. The judges highlighted the team's role in fostering companionship and community engagement among veteran players.

video-thumb
SPONSOR

Happy sponsors

In 2024, the Mayo Gaelic Masters were supported by several sponsors who contributed to the team's activities and events