Is GAA ready to take on the world?

THE growth and spread of the GAA has been one of the more uplifting sports stories of 2011, putting a positive spin on the harrowing reality that economic conditions have forced many of our most promising young athletes abroad.

But while we have enjoyed stories of Scandinavian football championships and Swiss camogie teams made up predominantly by locals, are we missing the bigger picture? Doesn’t this growth represent a greater opportunity?

With football and hurling proving worldwide popularity, the door is open for the GAA to make a real impression on the sporting world.