Theme: Foundations

gaa oral history project

New Foundations: The redevelopment of Croke Park on its original site began in 1994. © GAA Museum More Images

An exchange of letters between two Irish sportsmen, Michael Cusack and Maurice Davin, in the summer of 1884 led to a general plan to hold a meeting in Tipperary on 1 November 1884 to establish an Irish athletics association. A plan was formed. On 11 October 1884, Cusack published an epistle, ‘A word about Irish athletics,’ in United Ireland. In that epistle, Cusack wrote that neglecting the pastimes of the Irish people was ‘a sure sign of national decay and of approaching dissolution, smoking and card-playing.’ ... More

Micheál Maher

Micheál Maher, 89, Tipperary
Micheál describes the circumstances leading up to the first All-Ireland Hurling Final between Thurles (representing Tipperary) and Meelick (representing Galway). Although the final was played in 1888, it was actually the final of the 1887 championship. Two of Micheál’s uncles were members of the Thurles team.
© GAA Oral History Project

Terry Reilly, 66, Mayo
Terry recounts events surrounding the setting up and early years of Ballina Stephenites GAA Club.
© GAA Oral History Project

Patrick Weir, 86, Mayo
Paddy recalls the role of the local curate in the founding of Bonniconlon GAA Club in the 1920s and the trouble they had getting a football to play with at the time.
© GAA Oral History Project

Karen Plunkett, 28, Dublin and Liverpool
Karen describes the foundation of the first ladies' Gaelic football team at Liverpool Hope University.
© GAA Oral History Project

Noel O'Neill, 52, Cork
Noel discusses the need for the GAA to have more of a presence in primary and secondary schools around the country to further encourage children to take up Gaelic games.
© GAA Oral History Project

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