The GAA was instrumental in reviving Irish sports. It linked sport and nationalism in a way that had not been done before. This would continue throughout the struggle for Irish independence. The GAA provided a social and physical outlet for people from different social classes in towns and the countryside. Middle-class membership (teachers, clerks and so forth) rose to match that of the working class. In addition, the GAA was nationalist in its politics, supported Home Rule and served as a recruitment ground for the IRB. Many from the GAA went on to be involved in the Easter Rising and War of Independence.
Influence of the GAA
Revived Irish sports Linked sport and nationalism
Provided a social and physical outlet for people Recruitment ground for Home Rule and the IRB
Many members would be involved in future efforts to gain independence DID YOU KNOW?
The first all-Ireland hurling and football competitions both took place in 1887. Kilkenny has won the most All-Ireland senior hurling finals to date, while Kerry has won the most All-Ireland senior football finals.
The programme for the 1913 All-Ireland hurling final
The Kerry winners of the 1913 All-Ireland football final CHECKPOINT!
1. Briefly describe the state of sports in Ireland in the days before the GAA. 2. Where was the GAA founded and who founded it? 3. Name two significant organisations that supported the GAA. 4. How did the GAA develop? Give two examples. 5. Why did the GAA begin to decline in the final years of the nineteenth century? 6. How did the GAA influence Irish society? Give two examples.
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I understand how the GAA was founded and developed and how it influenced Irish society.
TIME TO GO BACK I CAN MOVE FORWARD
COLLABORATE: With your group, use the various sources on this website (such as newspaper reports, photographs, medals, and videos) to gather ten other facts about the history of the GAA in your county.
