A new chapter has been written in GAA history as across the Atlantic, St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia has officially welcomed Gaelic Football to their sporting programme for 2013.
SJU has already enjoyed GAA matches in 2012 however the recognition of Gaelic football as a legitimate sport within the US college system is a significant step forward and will see the game compete with several established pastimes at collegiate level such as baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis.
Eamonn Gormley, Chairman of the National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association (NCGAA) said: 'It is by plugging into mainstream society that Gaelic games can become more mainstream sports.'
'The college system is a hugely important part of this. The GAA has got to integrate better into the way sports are structured in all of the countries where Gaelic games exist. We can see the benefits of this already with the growth that hurling has experienced in US colleges.'
Just how this story will develop remains to be seen however could we see an official NCAA GAA competition in the works? With America's ability to churn out some of the world's most impressive athletes, it is certainly a possibility.
hat tip: hoganstand
