Theme: Emigration

gaa oral history project

The scene at the Hotel Astor, New York, on the 13th
June 1934, when a testimonial dinner-dance was held for the All-Ireland winning Kilkenny Hurling Team by the Kilkenny Men's Association. © Donal Dalton More Images

In an age of global sport, the GAA is unusual in that it supports and organises indigenous games. Hurling and football, as well as the various cultural events associated with the Association, still flourish 125 years after the GAA’s foundation. However, as the history of the GAA and that of Ireland are inseparable, the long tradition of emigration from Irish shores has resulted in the presence of sporting Gaels in many far-flung corners of the globe. ... More

Joe Carey

Joe Carey, 75, Tipperary and New York
Joe talks about the role played by Gaelic Park, New York in the social life of Irish emigrants. He recalls making dates with girls he met at the park, the dances that were held after matches, and the crowds that used to attend.
© GAA Oral History Project

Connie Kelly

Connie Kelly, 67, Kerry, London, & Boston
Connie describes emigrating to Harrow, in London. Despite having a large Irish population, the area was too far away from the grounds at New Eltham to travel there several times a week. He and his friends therefore did not get involved in the GAA in London.
© GAA Oral History Project

Tommy Walsh

Tommy Walsh, 79, Liverpool
Tommy discusses the community care role played by the GAA in Liverpool. People came to matches to spectate and play, and also to find out about job opportunities and accommodation in the city.
© GAA Oral History Project

St Pat's, Connecticut

Members of St Patrick's GAA Club, Connecticut
Members of St. Patrick's GAA Club outline the difficulties they face as they try to introduce hurling to children in Connecticut.
© GAA Oral History Project

Aileen Breen

Aileen Breen, 27, Tyrone and Glasgow
Aileen recalls meeting a member of the Glasgow Gaels Club at Glasgow Airport and recounts how this led to her involvement with ladies football in Glasgow.
© GAA Oral History Project

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