At the GAA World Games 2026, the French women's A team won on Friday, July 17, in the final of the international first division against San Francisco, in Waterford (Ireland). Two licensed players from Gwened Vannes Gaelic Football were part of the victorious squad.
The French women's senior Gaelic football team won the Rebecca Dowling Cup on Friday, July 17, the trophy for the international first division of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) World Games, held in Waterford, Ireland. In the final, the French team decisively defeated the American team from San Francisco (Fog City Harps White) with a score of 6-5 to 0-7, or 23 points to 7.
Among the world champions are Lucie Marchandeau and Ségolène Rivals, both licensed with Gwened Vannes Football Gaélique. Their victory also rewards the development of women's Gaelic football in Morbihan and more broadly in Brittany.
Brittany was particularly well represented at this edition of the World Games. Eight players from the clubs in Vannes, Rennes, Redon, and Brest played in the A and B teams of France, while two Breton selections, Brittany White and Brittany Black, also participated in the competition.
Held every three years, the GAA World Games brought together this year 115 teams and nearly 2,000 players and coaches from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. This is the largest edition ever organized. “It is a tremendous pride to bring this world title back to France. This trophy belongs to the whole group, and we hope it will inspire other girls from Vannes and elsewhere to discover Gaelic football,” said Ségolène Rivals.
Founded in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body for Gaelic sports, which includes Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie. While these disciplines remain relatively unknown in France, they have seen significant growth in Brittany over the past few years, where several clubs regularly participate in national and international competitions.
