Wednesday is moving day at the oneills.com World Games in Waterford, with 227 matches played since the event threw in Monday morning. Matches are played on a 24-minute, nine-a-side format across eight pitches at SETU, Waterford, with handball also included competitively for the first time on two indoor wallball courts. This year’s event is the biggest on record, with 113 teams competing and over 2,000 players, coaches and support staff flying into the country to attend.
While there are some early pace-setters in ladies and men’s football and camogie, by Wednesday evening the picture will be much clearer in terms of which teams will advance to the business end of the cup competitions and which will take part in the shields. “Things have gone really well in the opening two days,” said the GAA’s International Manager Charlie Harrison, who is event lead. “The weather has been glorious, everyone is in great spirits and thankfully the matches have run off really well. There is a real festival feel to it, the atmosphere is fantastic and we’re all looking forward to our Twinning events on Tuesday evening”.
Ireland AM and RTE television cameras were at the campus today to soak up the atmosphere, with broadcast partners TG4 also on site and set to stream all eight finals from Azzurri Walsh Park on Friday. Monday’s opening parade, through the iconic Apple Market and on to John Roberts Square, saw the streets thronged with players, supporters and well-wishers, with music provided by world-renowned trad star Liam O’Connor. On Thursday, there will be a rounders exhibition as well as the much-anticipated Business Connects Forum which will be attended by leading figures from the worlds of business, government and international relations.
You can follow all the action here.
