The GAA sports were added to Ireland's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, along with 38 other cultural practices, on the advice of an expert advisory council.

Ireland accepted the 2003 UNESCO agreement for the conservation of intangible cultural heritage in 2015, and this is the basis for maintaining the national inventory.

Hurling was added to the list in 2019 after being included on UNESCO's global list of cultural activities that are protected in 2018 together with camogie.

Ladies' and men's Gaelic football, according to GAA President Jarlath Burns, is "an intrinsic part of who we are".

He continued: "They are unique to us and their importance to Irish people is evidenced by their popularity in more than 1,600 clubs throughout this island and the 500 GAA clubs which exist elsewhere in the world."

In addition to praising the honour, LGFA CEO Helen O'Rourke said it is a "timely announcement" given that the organisation will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Irish amateur dramatic tradition, St Brigid's cross weaving, and Irish set dancing are three more cultural activities that have been recognised by the state.

These methods are included in the national inventory, which was launched in 2019, along with others like snap net fishing, sea currach production, and uilleann piping.