The City of Gosnells welcomed Irish president Michael Higgins and First Lady Sabina Higgins last week for the Gaelic football and hurling championships.
Held at the Tom Bateman Reserve in Thornlie, on October 8, more than 2000 residents turned out to celebrate the sport.
Gaelic Athletic Association of WA spokesman Tom Murphy said more than a million people played the game in all parts of Ireland.
“In WA we have 11 clubs playing Hurling and Gaelic Football,” he said.
“The championships were very important for Irish people living in Perth as they are a link to home, to Irish culture and they provide a sense of belonging for the Irish people who may have settled in Perth.”
Mr Murphy said the GAAWA was immensely proud to host the president and his wife.
“It was a historic occasion as it was the first time ever the president of Ireland attended a GAA match in Australia,” he said.
“The response and feedback from players, spectators and everyone has been hugely positive.”
Member for Southern River Terry Healy also attended the event.
He said Mr Higgins was a friendly and loving man.
“It was fantastic,” he said.
“We had a lot to talk about as we both have family who came from County Clare, we were both teachers and both are Labor politicians.”
City of Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said it was lovely to have the president in Gosnells describing him as welcoming and friendly.
“It was a beautiful day and a great honour for Gosnells,” she said.
“It’s great that we have the facilities to host such an event and it was wonderful to have had such a lovely day.”
