The GAA and the Rising The GAA was part of the separatist tradition, which was linked with the cultural revival. Some believed that the revival of Gaelic culture could not be achieved without a fully independent country. These men and women, who were involved in the GAA and the Gaelic League, became involved in political activity. There were also those who looked on the GAA as a cover for training young men for a future rising. This Fenian or IRB involvement had resulted in the Special Branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) reporting on the activities of the GAA members and clubs. GAA members took part in the centenary of the 1798 Rebellion. They also opposed Royal visits to Ireland. The GAA banned members of the RIC from playing GAA (1897), and it banned GAA members from playing or watching ‘foreign games’, such as cricket, hockey, rugby and soccer (1905). As well as Parnell’s funeral, the GAA was also involved in famous funerals such as that of James Stephens (1901) and John O’Leary (1907), both Fenians. It was not surprising that members of the GAA took part in the 1916 Rising, which grew out of the separatist tradition and the cultural revival.
HISTORICAL JUDGEMENT
The GAA and the 1916 Rising: ‘The organisation claimed it played a major role, but the truth is more complex’, writes Paul Rouse (26 November 2015)
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1. How many GAA players took part in the 1916 Rising, according to this article? 2. How did the GAA react to the Rising? 3. Why were more GAA men in France at this time? 4. Summarise the GAA’s part in the 1916 Rising.
