10 things people who’ve DATED a GAA player will UNDERSTAND

Whether it’s adapting to busy training schedules or embracing a new community of GAA enthusiasts, partners of GAA players have experienced it all.

Dating a GAA player can be a rewarding, albeit challenging, experience; for anyone in this position, there are a few things you might understand. With busy schedules, losses, and victories, this kind of relationship can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster.

From their love for the club to their strong sense of competitiveness, here are ten things you will have noticed if you’ve dated a GAA player.

10. Community events – a deep involvement

GAA players have a love for their club, their community, and their sport, with an appreciation for tradition. This means that whenever there is a community event or activity, they will take it upon themselves to join in, plus they may spend a lot of time volunteering for various local causes.

9. Celebrating and consoling – it’s part of the sport

Of course, one of the main things people who’ve dated a GAA player will understand is that you will have to cope with losses and be there to celebrate the victories when they arise. Being in a relationship with a GAA player can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster.

8. Travelling for away games – being supportive

Those who have dated GAA players will most likely have had to learn to frequently travel to away games, even when the time is not convenient.

To show support, partners often travel with their significant other to be part of the experience and see new places simultaneously. As long as you don’t have to put these long place names into your GPS! This is certainly a good thing to know before dating an Irish person, particularly if they are into the GAA!

7. Passionate discussions – the main topic of conversation

GAA players are proud of their sport, which will often be the topic of conversation. Whether you are chatting together or in a group, the passionate subject of GAA will almost always emerge, and partners need to be ready for talk of upcoming games, tournaments, and player performances.

6. Injuries and recovery – something you cannot avoid

People who’ve dated a GAA player will understand that injuries happen often, and with injuries come recovery time. As a partner, more often than not, you may have had to provide support during the recovery process and be understanding during the rehabilitation process.

5. Supportive community – an integration into the sport

Those who have dated a GAA player at one time or another will have noticed their integration within their community. Often you may find yourself becoming part of this community, attending regular matches, and making friends with other partners.

If you’ve recently started dating a GAA player (God help you!), check out what not to do at a GAA match. Indeed, the community spirit of sport and the GAA is one of the best reasons to date an Irish man.

4. The jersey – whatever the occasion

GAA players are known for their dedication and support for the community to which they have strong ties, but when that means always wearing your team’s jersey, it can become a little too much.

Partners of GAA players will have noticed that their significant other always opts for their beloved shirt, no matter the occasion. To be fair, there are some lovely jerseys, and if it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, it’s good enough for us!

This may also be one of the little signs that you are dating an Irish man.

3. Their competitive nature – on and off the field

Yes, of course, one of the things people who’ve dated a GAA player will understand is their solid competitive traits. GAA players are renowned for their competitive spirit, which sometimes extends far beyond the field and can be brought into various parts of their lives.

2. Love for the club – a strong dedication

GAA players are passionate about their sport and club, and their significant other needs to get used to this. They are well known for their unwavering commitment to the sport, so they often invest much time and effort into their training and fitness.

1. Busy schedule – it’s all about adapting

One of the top things people who’ve dated a GAA player will understand is how to deal with their busy schedule.

Partners of GAA players often have to adapt to their dynamic training and match schedule, and there may be no such thing as weekend or evening spontaneity when there are tournaments on.

So, if you have dated a GAA player, a few of the traits on our list might resonate with you. Whether cheering from the sidelines or passionately discussing matches, dating a GAA player opens up a world of experiences and memorable moments that leave an indelible mark on the heart.