Donegal Town witnessed a historic occasion last weekend as the Abbey & Central Hotels proudly hosted the GAA’s Annual Congress alongside World GAA’s Congress.
This prestigious event brought together hundreds of delegates from across Ireland and beyond, making it one of the most significant gatherings of GAA representatives in Donegal in recent years.
The three-day congress, held from Thursday to Saturday, saw a wide range of motions debated and voted upon, shaping the future of Gaelic Games. Delegates travelled from County Boards in the UK, Continental Europe, North America, and Asia, further reinforcing the global reach and importance of this annual event.
This was the first time Donegal had hosted the GAA Congress since 1988, when it was held in Bundoran. Securing the 2025 Annual Congress at a Special Council meeting in Dublin was a moment of pride for the county, and the success of this weekend’s event has firmly placed Donegal Town at the heart of the GAA community.
The Abbey and Central Hotels issued a statement on the success of the Congress. General Manager of the Abbey Hotel, John Kelly, expressed immense pride in hosting such a distinguished event:
“It has been an honour to welcome the GAA’s Annual Congress to Donegal Town,” Mr Kelly said.
“The energy, enthusiasm, and passion for Gaelic Games were evident throughout the weekend. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all delegates, and we are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback.”
One of the conference rooms which hosted GAA Congress 2025 in Donegal Town.
Breda Haden, General Manager of the Central Hotel, also reflected on the event’s success.
“Hosting an event of this scale has been an incredible achievement for both hotels and for Donegal Town as a whole,” Ms Haden said.
“The teamwork, dedication, and hospitality shown by our staff were second to none. Seeing the town come alive with the spirit of the GAA was truly special, and we are delighted to have played a role in such a memorable occasion.”
Congress plays a crucial role in the governance of the GAA, serving as the forum where key decisions are made, rule changes are debated, and the official guide is reviewed.
The successful hosting of this event has not only reinforced the Abbey & Central Hotels’ capability to stage large-scale conferences but has also provided a significant economic boost to the town and its surrounding areas. Local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers all benefitted from the influx of visitors, highlighting the positive impact such prestigious events bring to the community.
The Abbey and Central Hotels extend their heartfelt thanks to Donegal GAA, Seán Dunnion, and Mary Coughlan for their outstanding dedication and hard work in making this weekend such a success. They also express gratitude to the GAA, the delegates, and the local community for their support in ensuring this event was a resounding success.
Looking ahead, the Abbey and Central Hotels are eager to welcome future gatherings of this scale and continue showcasing Donegal Town as a premier destination for major events.
GAA Congress 2025 in Donegal Town attracted considerable media interest.
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