Gaa

What is the full title of the GAA?

The Gaelic Athletic Association for the preservation and cultivation of national pastimes

When and where was the GAA founded?

Hayes Hotel, Thurles, 1st November 1884

Who was the founder and secretary of the GAA?

Michael Cusak

Who was the President of the GAA at its founding?

Maurice Davin

Who were the three patrons of the early GAA?

Archbishop Croke, Charles Stewart Parnell, and Michael Davitt

What was the primary aim of the cultural revival in Ireland?

To promote Irish or Gaelic culture and de-anglicize Ireland by reducing English influence

What is the basic aim of the GAA?

To strengthen national identity in a 32-county Ireland through the preservation and promotion of Gaelic games and pastimes

Which national games does the GAA promote and control?

Gaelic Football, Handball, Hurling, and Rounders

How many clubs and members did the GAA have by 1886?

Over 400 clubs and 50,000 members

In which Irish provinces were the GAA's early strongholds located?

Munster, Connacht, and Leinster

Why was the GAA slow to flourish in Ulster?

Due to the Plantations and the preference of the Anglo-Irish population to maintain English traditions

What was one reason the GAA was popular regarding its membership policy?

It welcomed all people from all backgrounds

Why were Sunday events important to the popularity of the GAA?

Events were held on Sundays when people had days off from work

What social benefit did the GAA provide to its members?

It provided an opportunity for social interaction

What was Michael Cusak's profession?

Teacher

What was Maurice Davin's background?

Noted athlete

What was Archbishop Croke's role in society?

Key member of the Catholic Church

What was Charles Stewart Parnell's political role?

Leader of the Home Rule party

What was Michael Davitt's political role?

Leader of the Land Campaign

How was the rapid growth of the GAA in its early days described?

It swept the country like a prairie fire

Rule 27

Banned all GAA members from playing or watching foreign sports

Douglas Hyde

Founded the Gaelic League and was removed as patron of the GAA in 1938

IRB

A secret organisation dedicated to winning Irish independence from Britain

Jack Lynch

A dual player for Cork and Taoiseach

Irish Diaspora

The Irish abroad who maintain over 400 GAA clubs around the world

Scór

A cultural contest in céilí singing and storytelling

Croke Park

A dedicated, permanent place for people to be able to watch Gaelic games

Archbishop Croke

One of the first patrons of the GAA

Michael Cusack

The principal founder of the GAA

Rule 21

The banning of members of the British security forces from playing GAA

Rule 21 lift date

2001

Rule 27 lift date

1971

Rule 42

The banning of foreign sports from being played inside GAA-owned stadiums

Rule 42 modification

Temporarily modified/lifted in 2005

Purpose of Rule 21

To keep the GAA completely Irish and keep out anyone associated with British rule

Reason for lifting Rule 21

To support the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process

Purpose of Rule 27

The GAA wanted people to exclusively play and support Irish games to cultivate and preserve them

Reason for lifting Rule 27

Ireland was now an independent Republic, and society was modernizing

Purpose of Rule 42

To protect the financial status and cultural exclusivity of Gaelic games, ensuring that money spent at GAA grounds went solely toward Irish sports

GAA club base

Local GAA clubs continue to be based around the parish

Coiste na Gaeilge

Promotes the Irish language

Cusack Stand

A stand in Croke Park named after Michael Cusack

GAA democratic process

Decisions made in the GAA have always been through a democratic process whether at club or county board level