“WE want to create a future for our kids in York GAA.”

So said Steve McGerr, the coach for both men’s and ladies’ teams at York GAA – which is believed to be the first Gaelic club in the Minster city for 50 years.

McGerr’s comments came following his men’s side’s victory at the Gaelic sevens tournament, hosted by the club at their York St John University Haxby Road playing fields. The ladies were narrowly beaten by Manchester St Lawrence’s in the final.

The former Tyrone inter-county player said that Gaelic played an important role for him settling into life in England, and hopes to provide the same foundation for future generations.

Speaking about the importance of having such a team in York, McGerr said: “It means a huge deal to me personally.

“Without question, the GAA has really helped me settle into the UK. I’ve been very lucky to be part of very strong and hugely successful, but also very family-orientated, clubs.

“I have four young boys and my big aspiration is to have York GAA going for the next 15, 20, 25 years.

“We want to create a future for our kids in York GAA.”

York Press:

The York men's team lift the sevens trophy

The York ladies’ side won three straight games to progress confidently through the group stages and semi-finals before falling to St Lawrence’s, who won the competition for the second year running.

The men’s team won four before coming up against a physical Newcastle side in the final.

They also looked to be heading to defeat until a last-minute equalising point sent the game into extra time where York went on to win.

“If you’d have given me the result at the beginning of the day, I’d have snapped the hand off you,” said McGerr.

He continued: “We have moved on so much as a club from last year.

“What you see here is (the result of) long, hard slogs, and lots of really enjoyable nights and Saturday afternoons.”