GAA fans take passion to new level

GAA fans are known for getting passionate about their teams, but now thanks to a dating website hurling and Gaelic followers can take their love of sport to a whole different level.

LoveGAA.ie offers supporters of Gaelic games the chance to put aside their sporting rivalry and see if they can become a match made in heaven.

The website was set up by Donegal native Dermot Lawless when he discovered there was no dating website specifically for GAA fans, despite Gaelic games being some of the most popular amateur sports in the world.

“I came up with the idea while watching an advertisement for a dating website during the Donegal versus Clare match of the All-Ireland Football Championship in July,” said Mr Lawless.

“The ad said they could find a partner based on 29 levels of compatibility, but I thought there really is only one level of compatibility – whether your partner likes GAA games or not.

“Ultimately, you know that you’ve met your soul-mate when they stand beside you in the rain at a match, or shout at the one on telly just as loudly as you do.”

Mr Lawless, who met his fiancée, a fellow Donegal supporter, on a dating website four years ago, believes social networking websites will become even more important in the future.

“Many of us are no longer socialising as much as we used to – the opportunity to meet someone is not what it once was. Online dating gives a refreshingly clear opportunity to meet a partner.”

The site, which is open to anyone over the age of 18, has more than 40 members from counties all over Ireland looking for that special someone who loves their team as much as they do.

“Just to make sure that we have all the bases covered, we have personality matching too... You never know, that Cork/Kerry rivalry might just be too much,” added Mr Lawless.

www.loveGAA.ie