The Heights of Gaelic Games: Analysing Elevation Data of GAA Pitches Worldwide

Written By Ryan McGuinness

When you think of the GAA, you might picture the rolling hills of Ireland, but did you know that GAA pitches can be found from below sea level to high up in the mountains? We've recently analysed elevation data for nearly 2,000 GAA pitches worldwide, and the results are interesting.

The High and Low of It

Imagine playing a match in Amsterdam, where the Amsterdam GAC's pitch at Stichting Sportpark de Eendracht sits 3 meters below sea level. Now contrast that with the Butte Wolfe Tones Hurling Club at Montana Technological University in the United States, where players compete at a massive 1,741 meters above sea level – higher than many European ski resorts!

Montana Technological University in Butte, Montana.

Breaking Down the Numbers

  • Median elevation: 60 meters (half of all pitches are above this, half below).

  • The middle 50: Most pitches fall between 28 and 92 meters.

  • Variation: With a standard deviation of 94 meters, there's huge diversity in pitch locations.

And here are the top 5 highest GAA pitches in Ireland:

  1. Meelin GAA (Cork): 292m

  2. Stars of Erin GAA (Dublin): 282m

  3. Rockchapel GAA (Cork): 260m

  4. An Tochar GAA (Wicklow): 236m

  5. Laurence O'Toole's GAA, Belleek (Armagh): 235m

Global Heights: The Highest Regions

  1. North Western Division (USA): Average elevation of 599m. It’s home to 8 pitches, including our record-holder in Butte.

  2. Saudi Arabia: A single pitch at 592m - Naomh Alee Riyadh GAA in Riyadh.

  3. Canberra (Australia): One pitch at 585m.

  4. Switzerland: Three pitches averaging 366m.

  5. Southwest Division (USA): 9 pitches with an average elevation of 278m.

What Does This Tell Us About GAA's Global Reach?

This elevation data shows just how far GAA has spread. From below sea level in the Netherlands to the heights of the American West, Gaelic games are being played in environmental conditions the founding members of the GAA could hardly have imagined.

The distribution shows that while most pitches are at relatively modest elevations, clubs have established themselves in some of the world's most diverse geographical locations. It's a testament to the sport's adaptability and the dedication of its global community.

Ryan McGuinness
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