Competitions
We play in the Western Division, which is the San Francisco GAA. They organize several competitions, and we also travel for tournaments.
St Patrick’s Cup
The St Patrick’s Cup is a pre-season competition that is more relaxed than the championship and is designed to help clubs get up and running for the year. The playing rules allow for unlimited substitution, so players can switch in and out of the game.
Western Division Championship
The Western Division Championship is the flagship competition facilitated by San Francisco GAA and its games are played at Páirc na nGael, Treasure Island.
It is a feeder competition into the USGAA national championship. Depending on the skill level of other teams in the Bay Area, competition is available in a number of grades. The highest grade in the GAA is Senior, followed by Intermediate, Junior A, Junior B, and Junior C. The names of these grades refer to skill level, not age. St Joseph’s currently competes at the Junior A level.
Junior C is designed for entry-level players who are new to the game, and the club hopes to establish a Junior C team in the near future.
USGAA Championship
The USGAA championship is played over the Labor Day weekend and is the climax of the American GAA season. Its location rotates around the country between San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities that can bid to host the event. It is a major tournament that brings hundreds of athletes from all over North America.
West Coast Sevens
The GAA community in San Diego hosts an invitational sevens tournament every Memorial weekend. St Joseph’s is always happy to attend and has had many a memorable trip to Southern California where the Pacific is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit!
Valley Hurling League
Coming in 2022, the Valley Hurling League (VHL) will be a user-friendly internal league organized by St Joseph’s for the purpose of bringing hurling to everyone.
If you have never played before, we will start with the basics, teach the fundamentals of the sport, and ensure that you have mastered it before you play a game.
All are welcome to participate regardless of experience, abilities or gender. Whether you’re a seasoned hurler, a veteran player, or an entry-level camog, there is a place in the VHL for you.
