Rosemount father and son spreading the GAA gospel in Italy
Rosemount native James Kinahan and his son will represent Italy in the GAA World Games next month.
The 2026 GAA World Games take place in Waterford July 13-17, and James will be playing alongside his son Sean.
Italy GAA (Italia Calcio Gaelico) are sending two teams to the GAA World Games, competing in both the 'International' category and the 'Open' category (Irish players). The panel is made up of players from both Rome and Milan, representing the growing GAA community in Italy.
James has been living in Italy since 2001 and is now based in the northern city of Milan. He currently plays with Sant’Ambrogio Milan Gaelic Athletic Club and will be part of the Italy GAA panel this year in the 'Open' category.
The Westmeath man has been involved in the GAA in Italy since its early days in Rovigo, where he played and trained. He also featured in the first international game between Italy and France, in 2014. A former student of Carmelite College, Moate, James (48) works in Italy as a business development manager.
His son, Sean, was born and raised in Italy, also spent time in Ireland during the summer holidays, playing Gaelic football in Rosemount, and he completed his Transition Year in Moate Community School. Now 21, Sean plays football whenever he gets the chance, and is currently in university, finishing his course in Reims next semester.
The presence of James along with his son Sean is a really special moment for the Italy squad and a reflection of how the game has grown in the country across generations and communities.
The 2026 edition will be the biggest staging of the GAA World Games to date, with 114 teams taking part and more non-Irish born players participating than ever before. The week will also include an opening ceremony in Waterford city, cultural exhibitions, networking events and community activity celebrating the worldwide GAA family.
Group matches will take place at SETU Waterford campus, and the finals be staged at Azzurri Walsh Park. The event will welcome teams from World GAA regions including Europe, Britain, USGAA, Australasia, Canada, Asia, New York, the Middle East, South America and Africa.
TG4 has been confirmed as broadcasting partner for the 2026 GAA World Games and coverage will include live broadcast of all eight finals from Finals Day on Friday July 17 on the Spórt TG4 YouTube page. TG4 will also produce an hour-long highlights programme on Monday August 10 at 8pm, which will be repeated on Saturday morning, August 15.