Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) —in Irish, Cumann Luthchleas Gael—organizes and promotes traditional Irish games and pastimes. Its aim is to strengthen the awareness and love of national ideals in the people of Ireland, and to represent Gaelic games throughout the world. The GAA actively supports Irish culture and language.
The main games organized by the GAA are Gaelic football, which resembles soccer; hurling, which is similar to field hockey; handball; and rounders, which resembles baseball. The GAA organizes competitions for all age groups, especially the young. These competitions range from intercounty events to the All-Ireland championships. The GAA also arranges some international matches.
The GAA is the largest amateur sports association in Ireland. Its headquarters are at Croke Park, Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. The GAA was founded in 1884.
See also Gaelic games .
