Anthony Daly has close ties to Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association, but thanks to the friends he has made here, he considers the United States to be his home.

Daly, 47, was initially involved with the Young Irelands GFC in Philadelphia through his home club in Co Tyrone in Ireland, writes Fionnuala Boyle for the Irish Star.

He’s a manager, former player, and longtime member of the Philadelphia football club after moving here from Derrylaughan in 1996 to play for the Young Irelands as a three-month-sanctioned player.  

His home club in Derrytresk has had a long-standing relationship with the Young Irelands, Daly said.

After starting as a player, Daly has more recently moved into managing teams.

Last summer, he and his former teammates managed his daughter’s Fele team with the Delaware County Gaels and Na Toraidhe.

When he first played for the Young Ireland, Daly had no intention to stay in the United States.

“I started working and playing football on the weekends and met some great people,” he said. That included his wife, Trish, a first-generation American raised in the GAA world and the Philadelphia community.  

Find out more about Anthony Daly’s experience living and managing GAA teams here in Philadelphia in The Irish Star.