The Irish Sports Council today brought its total investment in the GAA from 2001 to €12.65m, as further funding for nationwide hurling and football, and Dublin games, was announced.
The grant comes under the Special Budget Measure and is intended to help increase the participation of young people in sport.
The announcement came as the GAA launched its 2006 National Coaching and O2 Medical Conference and Exhibition village, in association with Kellogg's, and its Resource Pack for Schools, entitled "Step Ahead."
The funding will see the grassroots to national programme (€1.34m), hurling development (€1.25m) and Dublin gaelic games (€1m) receive money.
Speaking at the ceremony today Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said: "At the heart of our policy is the aim of increasing participation in sport, particularly by young people.
GAA President Nickey Brennan added: "The Minister and the Council share the GAA's view on the importance of sport to our communities.
"The GAA is working closely with them in providing programmes that make a real difference to the quantity and quality of sporting opportunities provided by the GAA in every community in the country".
Brennan also thanked both Kellogg's and O2 for their contribution to the initiatives.
The three day coaching conference will take place between November 24th and 26th and will involve 800 delegates to attend talks on coaching issues in football and hurling.
Speakers will include Cork's All Ireland winning manager John Allen, Mayo manager Mickey Moran, Kerry physical trainer Pat Flanagan and National Hurling Co-Ordinator Paudie Butler.
"Step Ahead" aims to teach primary school subjects to children, through the medium of Gaelic games.