The New York GAA has a long history in Gaelic games starting at a time of the mass immigration to New York from Ireland. The first organised hurling and football club in New York was founded in 1857.[6] Since then football in New York has grown. At one point there were close to 40 football clubs in the New York GAA league. However, since the migration back to Ireland with that country's increasing economic prosperity (the Celtic Tiger), the number of clubs dwindled down to 31. In the past two years,[when?] the NY GAA has brought in two new teams, one (Na Clairsigh) from Albany and another (Four Provinces) from Philadelphia. But with the Meath team dropping out of the league competition due to too few players and other teams combining together, participation has declined. However, the renovation of Gaelic Park and increased participation by underage teams are measures that have been taken to increase participation again without having to rely on players imported from Ireland.
The first organised hurling and Gaelic football club in New York was founded in 1857.[6] In the following 30 years, the New York, Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Brooklyn, Geraldine and Men of Ireland clubs were set up.[6] The Gaelic Athletic Association's successful North American tour had a notable effect on the growth of hurling in New York and North America in general by the end of the 19th century.[6] At this time, the Keane Gaelic Hurling Trophy began to be awarded to the club which won the New York senior championship.[6]
New York's county team have had a number of notable hurling achievements, particularly the 1958 win over Wexford. In 1969, New York defeated Kilkenny over two legs in what was described as a "world championship cup".[9]
In November 2022, New York was confirmed as a participant in the 2023 Connacht Hurling League.[10] New York won the Shield competition in 2023, before winning the League itself in 2024.
Camogie, a version of hurling for ladies, is also played by several clubs in New York. The 2010 camogie champion was Na Fianna who retained their title by defeating Cavan 0-17 to 1-10.[11]
Ladies' football
New York has a number of ladies' football teams. The county also fields a ladies' team in the Women's World Cup (this tournament does not include Irish sides).[citation needed]