Muintir Na Gaillimhe Season Launch

Galway GAA has officially launched Muintir na Gaillimhe 2026, its flagship business partnership programme designed to support the continued growth and success of Galway’s intercounty teams while strengthening connections between sport, business and community across the county.

The programme was launched at two well-attended events in the Galmont Hotel & Spa on January 25th and 31st, marking the beginning of the 2026 intercounty football and hurling seasons. The events brought together existing partners, management and invited guests to celebrate the collective support behind Galway GAA.

Launch Events

The football launch featured a distinguished panel representing Galway and Mayo, including:

Martin Carney (Former Mayo and Donegal star)

Kieran Fitzgerald (Galway All-Ireland winner & 2001 All-Star)

Kevin Johnson (Current Galway U20 Manager)

 

The hurling launch welcomed representatives from Galway and Cork, including:

Mark Landers (Cork All-Ireland winning captain, 1999)

Jason Flynn (Galway All-Ireland winner, 2017)

Kenneth Burke (Current Galway U17 Manager)

 

Both evenings highlighted the importance of partnership and the shared ambition driving Galway GAA forward.

About Muintir na Gaillimhe

Muintir na Gaillimhe provides Galway businesses with the opportunity to join an exclusive network that directly supports intercounty teams while delivering tangible business benefits.

Programme benefits include:

• Staff engagement initiatives
• Enhanced brand visibility
• Unique networking opportunities
• Access to exclusive events and experiences with Galway players and management

Importantly, contributions to the programme directly support:

• Expansion of development squads
• Investment in intercounty teams
• Implementation of the new Coaching & Games Funding Model
• Upgrades to training facilities
• Continued progress toward integration and equality across all GAA codes

Building Stronger Links Across Galway

Speaking at the launch, Galway GAA Chairperson Paul Bellew said:

“Muintir na Gaillimhe gives Galway businesses and our international connections a genuine way to support our intercounty teams and be part of the journey with us. It’s about building stronger links between the teams on the field, the people behind the scenes, and the wider Galway community.

The turnout at both launch nights says a lot about the belief people have in what we’re trying to do. We’re hugely grateful to the businesses who are already involved, because their support makes a real difference, not just at senior intercounty level, but all the way through our games, facilities and structures. We’re looking forward to building on that over the next few years and welcoming more Galway businesses into the programme.”

Existing partners have also praised the initiative. Mary Ann Fleming of Penn Engineering said:

“Joining Muintir na Gaillimhe has been a hugely positive experience for our business. The level of staff involvement and engagement with Galway GAA has been exceptional. It’s allowed us to reward our team with memorable experiences, strengthen our brand visibility, and most importantly, support Galway GAA and the wider community. We would strongly encourage other Galway businesses to get involved.”

 

Galway GAA is now inviting businesses across the county to join Muintir na Gaillimhe 2026 and become part of a partnership that combines sporting excellence, community pride and meaningful engagement.

For more information, please email marketing.galway@gaa.ie