GAA must integrate non-nationals, says Howlin

ONE of the biggest challenges facing the GAA is the inclusion of children from immigrant families in Gaelic games, according to new Leinster Council chairman Seamus Howlin.

The ‘integration’ of non-nationals living in their province is one of the goals of his three year term, pointing out that immigrants could account for one million people in 10 or 15 years if population trends are maintained.

“It is imperative that we encourage these people to play our games,” he stated. “It’s not going to be easy because they are more familiar with our international games such as rugby, soccer and tennis. But, if we fail to get them interested in playing our games, we risk losing a huge chunk of our new population to the other sports.”