10 Things You Need To Accept Before Dating An Irish GAA Player

So, you like him. But he plays GAA. Make sure you read this before making any serious commitments!

The GAA is sacred to most Irish People.

Since 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association has encouraged thousands of Irish people to continue to play native sports such as Gaelic Football, Hurling & Camogie.

The extreme popularity of the Gaelic games has led to a very large following and fan base not just in Ireland, but all over the world.

GAA players are the most dedicated & committed sports people in the industry, that is why dating one of them can be very interesting. . .

However, you need to know the rules.

What has taken me 3 years to fully understand, you can now learn in a matter of minutes and establish if you are really cut out for the demanding WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of GAA Players) lifestyle or not!

1. The C Word

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No, it’s not what you think. Not that C-word. The other one.

A few months after starting to date a GAA player, you will quickly come to realise that there is only one thing that matters to them the most. No not you, THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

This wonderful time of the year occurs typically between May-October and is an annual competition where teams across the country battle it out to be crowned the newest champions.

Championship is the only thing that exists to them for those 6 months and will always come before you, no matter what.

Unfortunately, this is something you will just have to accept.

However, if you don’t think you will be able to cope with the lack of attention for those few months, then I suggest you get a dog.

2. The GAA Starter Pack

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You will also need to accept that your boyfriend will look like a complete clone of everyone else on the team.

All sense of individuality goes out the door.

The ‘GAA Starter Pack’ is essential to proclaim your GAA player status to the world.

Like, are you really a GAA player if you don’t have a fade haircut and don’t wear skinny tracksuit bottoms or half zip jumpers? Probably not.

3. Unintentional Desertion

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Because your man is practically a local celebrity, it means that EVERYONE knows him.

However, this can have its drawbacks too.

Take for example when he goes to get you a drink in your local bar and tells you that he will be back in a second.

Well, what he actually means to say is that he will be back in 30-40 minutes and don’t get annoyed or accuse him of abandoning you in the meantime, while you are awaiting his return.

You need to accept that this desertion is completely unintentional and that he needs to take the time out for his 'fans'.

This does not mean that he doesn’t want to spend time with you or that he doesn’t love you, he just expects you to fend for yourself and mingle with other people until he has finished his 'public relations'.

4. Everything is GAAGAA

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Even when GAA players are off the playing field, everything is still about GAA.

Not a day goes by when GAA isn’t mentioned to some extent. They will talk about GAA 80% of the time.

Even on the rare occasion when you do happen to catch them talking about another topic, it doesn’t last for too long, as the topic always somehow reverts back to the big G.

Yes, there will be times when you wonder how much GAA can one possibly talk?

But again, that is all part of the job. You need to accept their obsession with the sport and be a supportive girlfriend.

Remember GAA = LIFE!

5.Post-Match Counselling

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Of course, like with any sport there comes times of disappointment.

GAA players can be really moody after they lose a match and so need to be handled with extreme care.

In the unfortunate instance of this occurring, you need to be ready to step up and be a super awesome girlfriend.

You have to be there to provide the post-match counselling, which entails making the tea, providing cuddles and letting them watch whatever they want on the TV.

The new episode of 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' can wait for another few hours.

You need to be selfless and do everything you can to make the recovery process as easy and pain-free as possible!

6.Terminology & Rules

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As your man’s representative on the side-line, it is imperative that you are able to talk GAA.

You need to have a relatively good understanding of the rules and be aware of all the nicknames associated with each of the players on your boyfriend’s team. (No one is referred to by their first name)

Not only does this make you more sociably credible, but it also makes watching the matches for yourself that less bit boring, as you actually understand what is going on.

So, if you are a bit rusty on the rules, or just don’t have a clue at all, then I’d highly suggest you brush up on your GAA knowledge ASAP!

7.Sideline Cheerleader is NOT Appreciated

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As much as you want to shout at the opposition to leave your man alone, or run onto the pitch and care for him when he gets injured. . .

YOU CAN’T.

This would be the most embarrassing thing that could ever happen to your boyfriend! The slagging that he would get from ‘the lads’ would last for decades.

Instead, this is a battle that he will have to fight himself and so it’s more appreciated if you just stay put on the side-line and watch on helplessly.

8. No Couple Photos

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Because your man is an athlete, you can’t expect him to give up valuable photo space on his social media accounts or bedroom walls to display your couple photos.

In fact, you will need to accept that there will be very little photos of you anywhere.

All photos that he will post on social media will be of himself playing GAA.

The only time when your input will be valid however, is when he needs help in choosing the best filter and most ‘Insta-worthy’ photo of himself to post for his 'fans'.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. You might be lucky and honoured enough to make his November/ December profile picture, as these are quiet months in the GAA calendar.

But don’t count on it too much.

9.Matches still go ahead through Rain, Hail & Shine

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There is no such thing as calling off a match just because it’s raining.

Whilst yes it may be refreshing for players, rain is not good for supporters.

It is especially not good for those of us with fake tan & naturally curly hair. One drop of moisture and DISASTER!!!!

That is why it is so important to dress for the weather.

Yes, indeed, us Ladies like to look good. But after a while you will just learn to ditch the glamour and invest in a good club rain jacket.

At the end of the day, it’s not a fashion show. It is only a football match.

10.Winter Sun & Strategically Planned Holidays

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Say goodbye to holidays at normal times as everything has to be strategically planned around football matches.

Going away, especially during the Championship is an absolute no go!

But don’t even bother complaining about it, as it’s not a fight worth having. TRUST ME!

You need to just accept that holidays are not permitted until Championship ends in October. (Unless they get knocked out of the competition early, which changes things of course)

However, it’s not all that bad.

Winter sun holidays are nice too. Less crowds and cheaper flights and accommodation, what’s not to like!