Sport: GAA

• Foundation of the GAA:

  • Michael Cusack became concerned of the state of Irish sport and formed the Gaelic Athletic Association on 1 November 1884
  • This was to preserve national sport
  • Sports such as weightlifting, athletics and hurling were encompassed in the GAA
  • Maurice Davin became president while Cusack became secretary
  • Was supported by the IRB and the Catholic Church
• Development of the GAA


  • Clubs formed in every county of Ireland, with some clubs abroad
  • People who played non-GAA sports were banned from participating in the GAA
  • New rules for weightlifting, athletics and hurling were set and agreed on so everyone played by the same standards
• The IRB saw the GAA as a good source of fighters for Ireland's future and infiltrated the association. Their presence caused a split between those believing in constitutional nationalism and those in radical nationalism. This caused many members to leave.
• The GAA became popular in the 1900s due to


  • The IRB not being as influential as then
  • The GAA linking with the Gaelic League by promoting Irish
  • The new standard of rules appealed to newcomers
  • New grounds - Croke Park - being provided to the GAA
• Effects of the GAA:

  • Was extremely successful in reviving Irish sports, as it linked sport and nationalism
  • Functioned as a physical and social outlet for people of all social backgrounds
  • Many members of the GAA went on to be involved in the Easter Rising and the War of Independence