Local star heads to Ireland for Gaelic Football World Games
WORLD STAGE
Just one year after its formation, the Douglas Shire’s first Gaelic football club is heading to the world stage. Local carpenter Brodie Francis has been officially selected to represent Australia at the 2026 GAA World Games in Ireland this July.
When the Four Mile Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 2025, its goal was simple: to give the local Irish community a taste of home and introduce a fast-paced new sport to the region.
Just one year later, the club is celebrating a milestone that has surpassed all expectations.
Brodie, who is also a standout athlete for the Port Douglas Crocs, was scouted for the prestigious tournament which will take place in Waterford from July 13 to July 17.
While Gaelic football is a uniquely Irish hybrid of soccer, rugby, and basketball, Brodie is “fully Australian”.
A longtime player at the Crocs AFL oval, he was encouraged to join the fledgling GAA club last year by its founders, Phillip and Sean.
“He just took to it really well,” Club Chairman Phillip said. “Being a carpenter and a footy player, he’s a tall guy with a great set of hands. He adapted to our style of playing almost instantly.”
Brodie was scouted during the State Championships in Brisbane while representing Far North Queensland.
His performance in the Intermediate Championship caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a spot on the Australian squad, and his first-ever trip to Ireland.
The selection is a massive milestone for the new club, which has quickly grown to 52 members. However, the cost of sending a player to the other side of the world is significant.
To support the trip, the club partnered with Paddy’s Irish Pub for a St Patrick’s Day raffle.
The community response was overwhelming, raising nearly the full amount needed for airfares.
“It’s huge for us,” Phillip said. “To see the community get behind him to make this trip happen is special.”
The rise of Gaelic football in Douglas
While the sport is rooted in Irish tradition, the local club includes Australians, Canadians and South Americans alongside Irish.
“It’s a great mix,” Phillip explained. "To be selected for the Australian team, you have to be a resident here, so we have a lot of local guys who have integrated into the sport beautifully."
For those looking to join the club Four Mile GAA is actively welcoming beginners for their 2026 season. Training sessions are held every Wednesday at 6.30pm at the Crocs AFL oval.
“Anybody is welcome to join,” Phillip said. “The team is made up of a lot of beginners. It’s a great way to meet people and try something different.”
For updates on Brodie’s journey in Ireland or to find out more about local training, follow @4mileGA on Instagram.
