The Inaugural Charlie McElwee Cup
Saturday, March 21 – Gaelic Football
Charlie McElwee, originally from Glenfin, Co. Donegal, was a long-standing and highly respected figure within the Donegal GFC and the wider Philadelphia GAA community. A founding member of the Philadelphia Donegal Football Club, he also served as treasurer of the Philadelphia GAA for many years. Known for his leadership, dedication, and deep roots in both Donegal and the local Irish-American community, Charlie played a pivotal role in strengthening the club’s presence and reputation within the USGAA scene.
Featuring Teams
Host Club
Donegal Philadelphia
Donegal Philadelphia GFC, reformed in 1988, is one of the most storied and successful Gaelic football clubs in North America. Representing the strong Donegal diaspora in the Greater Philadelphia area, the club has proudly carried the green and gold to national prominence — winning USGAA Senior Football Championships in 1990, 1992, 1993, and again in 2018. In addition, Donegal Philadelphia/Four Provinces captured the prestigious New York GAA County Title in 2007, further cementing its reputation as a powerhouse of Gaelic games abroad. The club continues to honor its Donegal roots while fostering community, athletic excellence, and cultural pride among Irish and Irish-American generations.
Donegal Dubai GAA is a vibrant and fast-growing club that serves as a “home away from home” for Donegal natives and Irish expatriates across the UAE. Formed to unite the Donegal diaspora through Gaelic games and community spirit, the club has quickly become one of the leading social and sporting hubs in the Gulf region. With players and supporters from across Ireland and beyond, Donegal Dubai proudly promotes Donegal’s culture, camaraderie, and passion for football, strengthening ties between the county and its global community while showcasing the spirit of “Tír Chonaill” on an international stage.
The Donegal Masters is a proud extension of Donegal GAA, bringing together former county and club players who continue to represent Tír Chonaill with passion and pride at the Masters level. Competing in the Gaelic Masters Association competitions, the team has become a force in recent years highlighted by their 2025 All-Ireland Final appearance following a decisive win over Sligo. Blending experience, camaraderie, and enduring commitment to the game, the Donegal Masters embody the lifelong spirit of Gaelic football and the deep bonds shared among Donegal players past and present..
Donegal New York GFC is one of the most prominent and historic Irish clubs in the New York GAA, proudly representing the Donegal community across generations. Established as a gathering point for Donegal natives and their families in the U.S., the club has achieved major success on the field, most recently capturing the New York Senior Football Championship title in 2017. Beyond its athletic achievements, Donegal New York serves as a cultural and social cornerstone for the Donegal diaspora, fostering unity, pride, and a lasting connection between the Irish in New York and their home county.
Donegal Boston GFC is one of the most successful and respected Gaelic football clubs in the United States, proudly representing the Donegal diaspora in the New England region. Founded in 1988, the club has built a rich legacy of success within the Boston GAA, claiming numerous Senior Football Championships over the decades, including titles in 1995, 1996, 2002, 2010, 2015, and 2018. Beyond its on-field achievements, Donegal Boston serves as a cultural and social anchor for Irish emigrants, fostering lifelong friendships and maintaining strong ties to County Donegal while promoting Gaelic games and community spirit across generations.
Tir Chonaill Gaels, based in Greenford, London, is one of the most successful and iconic GAA clubs outside Ireland. Founded in 1962, the club has become a powerhouse within the London GAA, winning numerous Senior Football Championships and consistently representing the city with distinction in the All-Ireland Club Championships. Deeply rooted in the Donegal diaspora, Tir Chonaill Gaels has long served as a welcoming home for Irish emigrants, combining sporting excellence with a strong sense of community, culture, and pride in their Tír Chonaill heritage.
Tír Conaill Harps GAC, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a dynamic and inclusive Gaelic games club that proudly celebrates its Donegal roots while welcoming members from across Ireland and beyond. Founded in 1994, the club has grown into one of Scotland’s leading GAA organizations, fielding men’s and women’s football teams, youth academies, and social initiatives that promote health, community, and Irish culture. With a strong focus on player development and community outreach, Tír Conaill Harps continues to embody the spirit of Tír Chonail, fostering friendship, pride, and a lifelong connection to Gaelic games both on and off the field.
Special Guests
