Gaelic football makes history at Malaysia’s Bukit Jalil National Stadium
The massive elliptical outdoor National Stadium In Bukit Jalil is the largest stadium in Southeast Asia. Built for the 16th Commonwealth Games in 1998, the stadium has become a place of national pride. With a seating capacity rivalling Dublin’s Croke Park, this venue has become a gathering place where passionate fans converge, having been graced by iconic events in sports and entertainment fromfootball matches with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, to world-class musicians like Billie Eilish, Muse, and Coldplay.
On 20 September 2025, the stage was set exclusively for Gaelic football, a distinctly Irish sport, with Kuala Lumpur-based GAA club Orang Éire making their debut on the same historic turf that has hosted countless historic matches and events. On this day, a new chapter was written for the global story of Gaelic Games as Irish sports were played in a national stadium for the first time outside of Ireland.
Highlights from Bukit Jalil’s historic GAA match
The spirited club, established in 2007, has grown into a thriving community boasting over a hundred members representing 15 different countries. Their name blends the Malay Bahsa word Orang meaning ‘people’ with the Irish word Éire for ‘Ireland’, which is a perfect summary of their mission to share the passion, culture and joy of Irish sport with people from every corner of the world.
Orang Éire staged a series of exhibition matches for men, women and children, organised to demonstrate the dynamic, fast-paced sport, even under some challenging tropical temperatures.
The players brought their all, with football boots landing with purpose on the turf, each footstep marking the historical moment. They displayed the speed, precision and stamina that make Gaelic Games so captivating , and it was a fantastic introduction to Irish sports for Malaysians and others from further afield.
For the team members themselves, it was more than merely an exhibition. This was a historic debut and a chance to share their beloved sport to a wider audience, hopefully inspiring new international players. Cian Hulm, Chairperson of Orang Éire, described the event as not only a significant milestone for the team but a pivotal step for Gaelic Games in Kuala Lumpur.
“[It is] a huge step forward for Gaelic Games in Kuala Lumpur, inspiring new players and strengthening the growth of our club and the local Gaelic Football community.”
The impact of this showcase event extended far beyond the pitch. Chargé d’Affaires at Embassy of Ireland in Kuala Lumpur praised the initiativeas a “huge undertaking by the club” and highlighted the role of this event not only in promoting the sport but the values of community, friendship and the joy of competition.
This event is the latest in a series of initiatives that have been successful in promoting the friendship between Ireland and Malaysia, with sport offering a universal language across cultures.
The exhibition matches also featured some players from the Refugee Academy Programme, an inspiring initiative by the Malaysian Gaelic Athletic Association (MGAA). The programme offers far more than just a space to play: The Refugee Academy creates opportunities for integration, friendship, and personal growth, ensuring participants feel supported and a sense of belonging both on and off the field.
This event captured the true essence of what our Gaelic Games represent. It is not only about athleticism, skill or competition, but also about connection, community, and sharing in achievements like these. The first GAA match ever played in a national stadium outside of Ireland is a historic moment that will echo in the world of GAA far beyond the sound of the final whistle.