Irish sport finds unexpected home in Tasmania, draws local talent
Launceston's Gaelic football club grew from 10 to 13 players last year to over 25 this year.
Gaelic football is thriving in Launceston and Hobart, far from its Irish roots. Two Irish doctors working short-term contracts started the Launceston Gaels team in 2025.
Kevin Toman had been involved in Tasmania's Gaelic scene since 2017. Last year when the club held its first few sessions, they averaged about 10 to 12, maybe 13 players.
This year they have not gone below 25 at training. Dana Young previously played Australian rules football.
Like many Australians, she only knew Gaelic through the International Rules series against Ireland. Young found her background with an oval ball helpful for learning Gaelic skills.
The team plays Hobart once a month in the statewide competition. Members can also join a casual social roster or weekly training at Royal Park.
Toman said Tasmania has few Irish residents, so the club focuses on growing the sport for everyone, not just immigrants.
- 10-13 to over 25 players in one year
- Training growth
- 2025
- Club started
- involved since 2017
- Toman's tenure
- end of 2021
- Clarke's arrival
Why it mattersA niche sport gaining local traction shows how communities build identity around shared interests, and how immigrant groups can introduce their culture to new audiences.
AustraliaLaunceston and Hobart now have active Gaelic football communities where none existed, giving players and fans a genuine local option for the sport outside mainland Australian cities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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