Midwest Gaelic Athletic Association
USGAA News
2025 Recap
The USGAA Finals took place August 15 to 17, in Malvern, PA (Philadelphia). The Midwest Division was well represented with the following teams travelling: Camogie Jr A – Pittsburgh Na Laochra; Camogie Jr B – Cleveland St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s; Ladies’ Gaelic Football Intermediate – Pittsburgh Banshees; Ladies’ Gaelic Football Jr C – Cleveland St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s; Men’s Gaelic Football Jr A – Pittsburgh Celtics; Men’s Gaelic Football Jr B – Cleveland St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s; Men’s Gaelic Football Jr C – Buffalo Na Fianna; Men’s Gaelic Football Jr D – Pittsburgh Celtics; Hurling Jr B – Pittsburgh Pucas; Hurling Jr C – Roc City; Hurling Jr D – Pittsburgh Pucas.
The Year of the Woman
For Cleveland, it was the Year of the Women (Bliain na mBan), with the camógs (Junior B) finally lifting the cup after being in the final three times, and the lady footballers (Junior C) return after a nearly complete rebuild to hoist their second national title in four years.
The Year of the Men
For Pittsburgh, it was the Year of the Men (Bliain na bhFear). The Pucas (Junior B) brought home the hurling silverware to the Iron City while the Celtics (Junior D) raised the cup in football.
Due to weather, the 2025 Midwest Annual General Meeting was held virtually. Clubs ratified new regulations and elected a new board for 2026: Matt Creed (chair, Cincinnati), Ed Riser (vice-chair, Buffalo), Kayla Caruso (secretary, Cleveland), Shawn Milligan (treasurer, Rochester), Keith Knott (registrar, Akron), Kelly Goodrich (public relations, Pittsburgh), and Vincent Beach (youth officer, Cleveland).
The USGAA Convention (annual general meeting) was held in Nashville. The Midwest division travelled strongly once again, carrying 22 of the 206 votes (fourth largest amongst the ten divisions). Elected officers were: Paul Keane (chair, St. Joesph’s, Western), Peter Murray (vice-chair, Galway Hurling, Northeast), Liam Moloney (Sean Treacy’s, Western), Olivia Rabbitte (treasurer, Galway Hurling, Northeast), Susan Pierce (registrar, Indianapolis, Heartland), Bennett Burke (public relations, Austin, Southwest), Gareth Fitzsimons (youth, Parnell’s, Central), Ger Dillon (central council delegate, Delco, Philadelphia), Joe Lydon (honorary president, Connemara, Northeast).
The Midwest continued (and continues into 2026) to contribute significantly to the county with volunteers in several roles throughout the country: Rob Tierney (Head of USGAA Operations & Games, Pittsburgh), Emily Barno (chair of the Camogie Development Workgroup, Pittsburgh), Tim Flanagan (chair of the Football Development Workgroup, Buffalo Fenians), Deirdre Scully (chair of the Ladies Football Development Workgroup), John Young (Steering Committee for the All-County Men’s Football Team).
Midwest 2026
After several meetings between all the teams within the division, the Midwest League schedule is out. This year, the league standings will determine the Midwest Finals (championship) seeding.
The games begin May 2nd, with the Buffalo Fenians hosting Syracuse, Detroit, and the Pucas in men’s football, ladies’ football, and hurling, respectively. Cincinnati also hosts the Celtics (men’s football).
The following week has upstate men’s football action, with the Rochester team traveling to Syracuse while the Fenians visit Albany.
Cleveland’s men’s and ladies’ Gaelic football teams host their annual Memorial 7-a-Side Tournament at the West Side Irish American Club on May 16th. Games are set to start around 9am, with the championships around 5pm – it is a full day of Irish sports and community.
Cleveland’s men’s and ladies’ Gaelic football teams host their annual Memorial 7-a-Side Tournament at the West Side Irish American Club on May 16th. Games are set to start around 9am, with the championships around 5pm – it is a full day of Irish sports and community.
This year’s matchups will be Midwest dominant. The same weekend, Albany host a double header of men’s football and hurling with Rochester.
On May 23rd, the Cleveland Youth will host their annual football and hurling tournament for ages u6 through u16 ages at the West Side Irish American Club.
And, to finish out the month of May, Cleveland hosts hurling matches between Akron and Rochester, Cleveland and Rochester, Cleveland and Akron, as well as a camogie match between Cleveland and Akron. Up in Detroit, Cleveland’s ladies’ and men’s footballers do battle against the hosts.
I gCuimhne (In Memory of, pron. ih GWIH-nuh)
As we start the 2026 season, we remember Mr. John O’Brien. John was instrumental for many years in the North American County Board (predecessor of the USGAA) as well as the development of youth and adult games in Cleveland. His actions and deeds have been praised. As Cleveland takes the field this summer, you will hear a remembrance to J-O-B.
A memorial mass will be held Memorial Day weekend on Monday, May 25th, at the West Side Irish American Club at 11AM for John by the family and the GAA. All are welcome.
Cleveland St. Pat’s / St. Jarlath’s GAA
All teams have started outdoor training, but accept new players all season long. There are many beginners, so fear not, just come on out and learn the greatest sports in the world, with a fitness minded social club (we have the craic as well).
Check the www.clevelandgaa.com website for more details. Hurling and camogie typically train on Sundays and Wednesday evenings; men’s and ladies’ football on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and youth on Fridays.
We also want to wish our hurling and camogie teams well as they travel to Ireland at the beginning of May for a tour of games – more details and photos when they return.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!
Thanks, y’all, to our readers and supporters. Fáilte (welcome) to all. The Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest sporting organization and a bit of home for the Irish abroad here in the U.S. of A. Beyond sports, the Association also promotes Irish music, song and dance, and the Irish language as an integral part of its objectives.
We need your help and involvement, but would most like to share the fun of Irish sport and Cleveland community with you. Cleveland GAA is open to all who want to play competitive sports, meet new people, and join an athletic, fitness-minded club for all ages. Consider getting involved at any level.
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for the 2026 activities for Men, Women, and Youth, or visit ClevelandGAA.com.
Email ClevelandGAA@gmail.com.
