Recession sparks GAA player influx to Australia

THE GAA in Australia, which has experienced an explosion of interest over the last decade, is expected to be further strengthened by the influx of young people leaving Ireland in search of employment.

However, General Secretary Gerard Roe, who is part of their delegation to Congress, points out that the effects of the recession on Australia’s east coast is forcing people to move on from Sydney and try their luck in cities like Brisbane and Perth.

“Since the recession started here (in Ireland) there have been more young people coming over, but they are finding it a wee bit harder than they were, even 12 months ago,’’ said Roe.