Theme: Politics

gaa oral history project

Map of Croke Park used in the Bloody Sunday Military Court of Inquiry, showing the layout of the grounds
and the locations where people were shot.
© The National Archives, Kew More Images

From its inception, supporters and opponents of the organisation were agreed that the GAA was more than simply a sporting organisation. The unambiguous identification with Irish nationalism was apparent from the very first meeting, held in Thurles on 1 November 1884. At this, the GAA chose as its patrons the key figures in Irish national life... More

Muiris Prenderville

Muiris Prenderville, 91, Cork
Muiris recounts an incident when he was captain of Youghal Junior Team and the British Army Legion Band were at Copper Alley to lead the teams around the pitch before a match.
©GAA Oral History Project

Eugene Deane

Eugene Deane, 80, Kerry
Eugene, a delegate for his club to the West Kerry Board, was so staunchly in favour of the ban on foreign games that he left the GAA rather than vote for the removal of the ban.
©GAA Oral History Project

Pat Fanning

Pat Fanning, 90, Waterford
Pat Fanning, President of the GAA when the ban on foreign games was removed, discusses the events of that time.
© GAA Oral History Project

Sean Gunning

Sean Gunning, 40, Derry
Sean recalls an event during the Troubles, when army Land Rovers pulled up at the GAA pitch in Swatra, Co. Derry, during a camogie match.
© GAA Oral History Project

Dermot Mulholland

Dermot Mulholland, 52, Monaghan
Dermot discusses the role the GAA played in his time in Portlaoise Prison in the 1980s.
© GAA Oral History Project

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