Global Gaels.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the thought of watching the football or hurling from outside of Ireland was just that: a thought.
Luckily, we live in a glorious age of technology, a time when the connection between people and machines is as intense as ever.
Sure, there is credence to the argument that smartphones are decimating meaningful social interactions but how can we be angry at technology when it allows us to watch the All-Ireland final from literally the other side of the world?
Thanks to GAAGO, hurling fans from all over could tune in and watch defending champions Galway take on Limerick at Croke Park.
I mean, they’re even watching it in Samoa.
https://twitter.com/MartinaMCarroll/status/1031184268997754880
To put that into perspective, Samoa around 3,000km northeast of New Zealand. You can’t get much further away than that.
They’re tuning in from New Zealand.
https://twitter.com/irishkoala/status/1031184056002572288
And from Texas.
Just watching All Ireland Hurling Final in San Antonio Texas. Thanks to Sr.Teresa Carter for her fantastic hospitality👌👌 No matter where in the world, the GAA will always bring people together #GAAGO pic.twitter.com/lznj2v6sLP
— Jimmy Meagher (@MeagherJimmy) August 19, 2018
Spain isn’t missing out.
From Spain we supports Limerick!!! @GAAGO #GAAGO #crokepark pic.twitter.com/lR5eXahaeO
— Miguel Pelayo JR (@miguelpelayo01) August 19, 2018
The Tribesmen supporters united in Poland.
@GAAGO @gufct Galway United supporters and friends watching in Torun, Poland #GUFC pic.twitter.com/oKz8OewyBB
— Ronan Coleman (@coleman_ronan) August 19, 2018
Limerick fans tuned in from Dubai.
Watching th #hurling in Dubai! Go Limerick! #GAAGO pic.twitter.com/iKoGDGqeim
— Christine Grové (@StinaGrove) August 19, 2018
And from the Maldives!
#GAAGO shouting from afar !!! Luimneach abú… love from the Maldives x pic.twitter.com/dW7IS4Cw6M
— gemma healy (@gemonce) August 19, 2018
It can even be streamed in Jordan.
https://twitter.com/brianfobyrne/status/1031180470673924097
Finally, this lad below tuned in against the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong outside but it feels like Ireland inside with the @TheSundayGame and @GAAGO covering the All Ireland! pic.twitter.com/J40JwamUgC
— Owen Ó Cinnéide (@owenkenn87) August 19, 2018
It feels fitting that the climax to a truly spectacular year for hurling can be enjoyed from all over planet. Galway and Limerick faithful were, of course, out in full force at Croker, with over 82,000 packed into headquarters for the championship showpiece.
But the enthusiasm for this year’s hurling final extends far beyond Dublin. It’s great to see and long may it continue!
