Association President Criostóir Ó Cuana has called on members everywhere to engage with their local clubs next Sunday.

Clubs have been encouraged to celebrate the GAA’s century and a quarter anniversary by organising events within their communities which underline their importance to their respective areas.

A variety of different initiatives have been organised by units with a special emphasis on games, culture and community on a day when no club fixtures have been scheduled.

The GAA President, who is a Youghal clubman, joined forces with Ard Stiúrthoir Páraic Duffy and Iar-Uachtarán Nioclás Ó Braonáin to shine a light on their own club allegiances and he urged members everywhere to make a special effort to ensure that Sunday is a memorable day that places our clubs – some of whom are also celebrating their 125th anniversaries – at the heart of the Association’s 125 calendar.

He said: “Our home club is where it begins for us all and for that reason it occupies a special place in us all. It’s where we are first introduced to the games and it very quickly assumes a badge of identity that in many cases comes second only to our family allegiances.

“Sunday is all about highlighting the incredible work that our clubs do in every community in Ireland and re-affirming the place of the club at the very heart of the organisation.

“Some of our older club units are also celebrating their 125th anniversaries, which is testament to the massive and long standing contributions that they make to the fabric of the communities they interact with and serve so well.

“I acknowledge the superb work overseen by our volunteers in clubs everywhere and hope that the GAA will be as well served by its members in the years ahead as it has been since its inception back in 1884.”

The GAA are certainly going all out to celebrate their one and a quarter centuries of existence. Some weeks ago we had the incredible fireworks display at the start of the league campaign at Croke Park. No harm in that, but one must ask the question about the cost of all this and the possibility of funds being literally burned that could be used to promote the under-age game.  As a tool to promote the game, the 125th Anniversary certainly helps put the spotlight on the Association in a year when other sports vie for the attention of the youth of Ireland. Rugby, in particular, is regarded as a big threat to the ability of the GAA to capture the best of the young talent. The incredible sucess of the Irish and Munster/Leinster teams in 2009 makes the task, especially in urban areas, all the more difficult.

It is fine to celebrate our GAA history as long as it not at the expense of the future of the code.

Nonetheless, continuing the 125th Anniversary celebrations, the GAA Museum and Sports History Ireland will host a one-day history conference in Croke Park on Saturday 25th April.  Leading social and sporting historians from Ireland and overseas will participate and explore the history of the GAA and its place within Irish society.

Saturday 25th April 2009

Speakers will discuss a range of topics including the ancient origins of hurling, the life of Michael Cusack, the GAA in Ulster and amongst the Irish diaspora, the GAA and politics, the GAA in film and photography, the GAA and the Irish language, the socio-economic background of players and the question of the GAA’s relationship to amateurism.

The conference will close with the launch of a collection of fourteen essays, The Gaelic Athletic Association, 1884-2009 (Irish Academic Press, 2009) by the President of the GAA, Christy Cooney.  The essays, published by Irish Academic Press, have been edited by Mike Cronin, William Murphy and Paul Rouse.

The conference has been organised by Sport History Ireland in conjunction with the GAA Museum in Croke Park and the GAA 125 Oral History Project, based in Boston College, Dublin.

Tickets are available to purchase from the GAA Museum in Croke Park - Adult €15, Student/Senior €10. Admission price includes tea/coffee at registration. Lunch not included.  Please note that booking is essential.

For more information and booking please contact -
Selina O’Regan
GAA Museum Education Officer
Tel – 01 819 2361 or Email – soregan@crokepark.ie
www.gaa.ie/museum

GAA 125 History Conference
Saturday 25th April 2009
Croke Park Conference Centre

09.30 – 10.00: Registration in the GAA Museum

10.00 – 11.15: Hurling in Medieval Ireland
A.B. Gleason (Princeton University)

Riotous proceedings and the cricket of savages: football and hurling in early modern Ireland

Eoin Kinsella (Royal Irish Academy)

Michael Cusack: Sportsman and Journalist
Paul Rouse (UCD)

Commentator - Cathal Mac Coille (RTE)

11.15 – 12.30: “The Greatest Amateur Association in the World”? The GAA and Amateurism

Dónal McAnallen (O Fiaich Library Armagh),

The GAA in Ulster
David Hassan (University of Ulster)

Gaelic Games and the Irish Diaspora in the United States
Paul Darby (University of Ulster)

Commentator - TBC

12.30 – 13.30: Lunch

13.30 – 14.30:The Camera and the Gael: the Early Photography of the GAA, 1884-1914 Mark Duncan (Boston College-Ireland)

Gaelic games and ‘the movies’
Seán Crosson (NUI Galway)

Commentator - Stuart Ward (Visiting Professor of Australian Studies, UCD)

14.30 – 15.45 The GAA and the Irish Language
Brian Ó Conchubhair (Notre Dame University)

The GAA during the Irish Revolution, 1913-23
William Murphy (Mater Dei)

The GAA: Social Structure and Associated Clubs
Tom Hunt (Mullingar)

Commentator - TBC

15.45 – 16.00: Break

16.00 – 16.45: Roundtable Discussion - The GAA and Irish History
Mike Cronin (Boston College-Ireland)

Richard Holt (International Centre for Sports History, DMU)
Gearóid Ó Tuaithaigh (NUI Galway)
Mary Corcoran (NUI Maynooth)
William Nolan (UCD)

17.00: Concluding remarks and book launch by President of the GAA, Christy Cooney.

Mike Cronin, William Murphy and Paul Rouse (eds.), The Gaelic Athletic Association, 1884-2009 (Irish Academic Press)

Personally, I disliked the yellow card rule and effective full match sin-bin for the offender with a player from the subs bench replacing him. It left referees in an invidious position in perhaps having to make a big call in banishing a star player early in the game. It also gave opportunity to those who practice such behaviour to provoke a star player into retaliation at the early stages of a match.  Instead of looking for a way of solving discipline problems through punishment measures, the GAA should be looking again at the tackle in football with a view to altering it and defining it more clearly so that referees can more uniformly implement a fair regime of supervision.

At the Annual Congress, new President Christy Cooney took over the reins for the next three years from Nicky Brennan who exits the stage without an achievement worthy of mention. Let us all hope that Cooney can provide effective leadership and visionary strategies during his term.

Interviewed afterwards, Brennan indicated that the biggest disappointment of his tenure was not sorting out the GPA problem and “bringing them inside the organization rather than they working outside it”.  Well, in that situation Nicky, it was a case of you having the key and refusing to open the door with it!  Do not apportion blame to all but yourself. You missed a golden opportunity to reform the whole pay issue with your “dig your heels in” stubborn attitude.

You ride into the sunset without kicking up any dust!

I suppose it is hard to compare any Presidency with the reforming, no bullshit tenure of the previous incumbent, Sean Kelly, who gave the staid image and complex decision-making regime of the GAA a kick in the arse into the 21st century by zealously pushing through reforms that changed forever the face of the GAA in the most positive way.

Kelly was always going to be a hard act to follow in fairness, but what we got was the ultra-conservative Brennan, a complete contrast to Kelly.  His mission for his period in office, he declared at the outset, was to sort out displine on the field of play.  What a lofty ambition for his three-year term?  As the Bob Geldof autobiography stated “Is that it?”. Was there not more pressing problems in the GAA that needed attention along with discipline ones?   Well not so, it seems. Brennan proceeded to engage in a Cover Your Arse presidency from there onwards with the only discipline reforms being the farcical yellow card/subsitute trial during the current League campaign which ended this weekend and look certain to sent to the dustbin where they belong at next weekends Annual Congress.

It is well known that he tirelessly travelled the country and worked the various rooms in promoting the GAA and, more importantly, himself.  He didn’t earn the moniker “Network Nicky” for nothing.  Brennan is viewing has a bigger picture down the road. After a three-year sabattical from Glanbia, he will return there after next week but watch out for his profile rising in political circles in the next few years. Nicky has ambitions beyond that of the IT department of Glanbia and avoiding any controversy as President of the GAA was the priority in his tenure at the top in order to achieve them.

He suceeded in that for sure.  No dishes were broken on his watch, but then no dishes were cleaned either.  He shamefully stayed out of the Cork hurling debacle when it was an issue that went to the very heart of the GAA structure. Nicky dodged the bullets with some aplomb - a trait that is very useful in politics as will have been noted by party scouts.

The Dail is of course a place where the talents of Nicky belong.  CYA is a mandatory asset there and the ability to say a lot of horseshit but actually do nothing suits him perfectly, for that is what happens in the Dail. Like the dull, monotone character he is, he will fit into the anonyomous backbencher wallpaper so well.

No, Nicky, you will not be missed. You will not be remembered for any achievement other than your own profile enhancement. Your picture will hang in the boardrooms and the museum of Croke Park, but anybody scanning the list of past presidents will quickly skip by your one. In years to come, you may be remembered for not being remembered. A trivia question in a pub quiz, perhaps.

A word of advice for the political game. Do something you never done when you were in the top job in the GAA - smile. You never did it while you were President, but when you are kissing babies for photo-shoots you’ll have to do it!

The aim of the strategy is to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to participate in our games and in our culture.

GAA President Nickey Brennan stressed the significance of the event and the strategy itself at what was one of the last public appearances of his three-year tenure.

He said: “Initiatives such as this are of utmost importance and this topic was one of the 11 we highlighted in our Strategic, Vision and Action Plan which we unveiled last November.

“Sport and the cultural offshoots of our association provide a perfect vehicle for us to welcome those who might not be familiar with our games and past times allowing them to integrate with those who are already immersed in these activities, especially at a young age. Sport has a huge role to play in tackling barriers and divisions.

“While we may sometimes take the association, our games and the influence they have on wider society for granted, we should remember that there may be a demystifying and educational process required to allow those from non-traditional GAA backgrounds to access our games and activities to the full.

“The aim of this strategy has to be to encourage people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, nationalities and religious backgrounds, living in Ireland, to feel comfortable enough to get involved with the GAA and that’s the goal we will be working towards through this strategy.”

Also in attendance for today’s strategy launch were Helen O’Rourke, Ard Stiúrthóir of Ladies Gaelic Football and Joan O’Flynn, President of the Camogie Association.

Both associations lent their support to an initiative that they hope will lead to a more open and inclusive association – one that can have a positive influence on wider society.

Pat Quill President of Ladies Gaelic Football said, “The ethnic diversity of modern Ireland presents so many opportunities for our country and sporting organisations. The wider GAA family must welcome non-Irish nationals with open arms and we need to examine all measures to ensure this process continues apace so that our sport continues to be representative of the whole country.”

Joan O’Flynn added: “For the Camogie Association, the Inclusion and Integration Strategy is a statement of intent of our commitment to reach out and promote the positive inclusion of groups who may be under-represented amongst our players, membership and supporters and to identify and work to overcome barriers that may inhibit some groups from getting involved in Camogie either as players, members or supporters.”

The strategy was devised by a ten-person committee after consultation with a number of interested and relevant external parties.

One of the greatest attractions on a tour of Dublin landmarks is the GAA Museum at Croke Park.  State of the art modern technology allows the visitor to go back in time and explore the history of this great organization.  For families, the Mid-Term Break is approaching and schools out for the kids. The GAA Museum has organised a week of events for all the family.

Monday 16th to Friday 20th February, 14.30 DAILY

The Telling Tall Tales Tour- Family Tour

Take an extra special tour of Croke Park during the midterm break where the tour guide might be telling lies, tut tut! Come along and see if you can tell when their guides are telling tall tales or when they are actually telling the truth!  Ages 6+ Booking is essential as places are limited. Adults €8, Child €4, Student/Senior €6, Family €25

Friday 20th February – 18.30, 19.00 and 19.30,

Let there be light! Floodlit tours

The GAA Museum will open its doors for a special night of floodlit tours. What better way to celebrate the GAA’s milestone 125th anniversary than by discovering the magic of Croke Park under floodlights. Please note that booking is essential as places are limited. Adults €8, Child €4, Student/Senior €6, Family €25

Friday 20th February

Memory Wall Launch

This year the GAA celebrates its 125th anniversary. In conjunction with this milestone the GAA Museum will launch a Memory Wall before the end of February where visitors can add their memories of the GAA throughout the year.

Saturday 21st February, 14.30 - 16.00

Time Travellers - Art Attack

Step back in time with GAA Museum staff to learn a little more about the founding of the GAA 125 years ago. Afterwards make your own GAA timeline with important dates from history and from your own life! Ages 6+ Booking is essential as places are limited. €4 per child

Memory Wall Launch

This year the GAA celebrates its 125th anniversary. In conjunction with this milestone the GAA Museum will launch a Memory Wall before the end of February where visitors can add their memories of the GAA throughout the year.

For booking or more information please contact-

Selina O’Regan

GAA Museum Education Officer

Tel - 01 8192361

Email – soregan@crokepark.ie

www.gaa.ie/museum

Sharon Shannon and Mundy confirmed for GAA 125 Celebratory Night

The GAA announces today the full programme of events for the launch of the 125 celebrations for Saturday night the 31st of January.

Sharon Shannon and Mundy will entertain crowds as part of the celebrations at Croke Park, marking 125 years of the GAA. The pair, whose duet ‘Galway Girl’ was the undisputed chart success of Summer 2008, will perform at half time on the night.

“The quality musical act together with an exciting game of football and also a specially designed lighting and fireworks spectacular promises to be a night to remember.   So bring the whole family to mark this monumental moment in the GAA’s history.” Jarlath Burns Chairman of 125 Committee.

The entertainment starts at 6.30pm with Hector Ó H hEochagáin and throw-in of the Dublin v All Ireland Champions Tyrone game commences at 7.30pm. Half time entertainment will feature Sharon Shannon and Mundy and 9pm sees the start of “Iconic moments” a show featuring some GAA highlights.

The crowd will then be entertained by a spectacular lighting and firework display which will light up the whole stadium. Larry Mullen’s specially designed soundtrack, incorporating a selection of contemporary and traditional Irish music, will feature Micheal ó Muircheartaigh’s bi-lingual tribute to the GAA which will accompany the firework display.

Get to Croke Park early to experience the full programme of entertainment.  A limited number of tickets are still available, however stand tickets are almost sold out. So purchase your ticket now to avoid disappointment from the participating counties, on http://www.gaa.ie/ or from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Ticket  Prices are as follows:

Stand                                                                                                                           €20

Stand Juvenile(Designated sections of Davin and Cusack Stands)                          €5

(Juveniles must be accompanied by an adult)

Senior Citizens/Students (with I.D.) (Davin and Cusack Stands only)                      €10

(Must purchase full price ticket – refund available at Block D

turnstiles to rear of Cusack Stand prior to entry)

Terrace                                                                                                                       €15

Wheelchair and Attendant Passes                                                                             €20

Group Passes per juvenile, 1 adult per 10 juveniles free of charge                           €3

Among those in attendance were legendary figures of the past such as Kevin Heffernan, Jimmy Keaveney, Babs Keating, Eddie Keher and Jimmy Barry-Murphy, highly decorated former Kerry, Kildare and Laois manager Mick O’Dwyer and current sensations of Gaelic games including Henry Shefflin and Colm “Gooch” Cooper.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, soccer pundit and avowed GAA fan Eamon Dunphy and comedians Dara O Briain and Oliver Callan also paid tribute, while music came from the Artane Boys’ Band, Tommy Fleming and the Saw Doctors.

Anyone who missed the show will get another chance to tune late on Monday night, starting just after midnight on RTE One when a full repeat is shown.

Céim ar Aghaidh/Step Ahead – Junior Cycle Resource

Céim ar Aghaidh/Step Ahead is a comprehensive cross-curricular resource based on the theme of the GAA and integrating all subjects of the Primary School curriculum. Schools have already received middle cycle and senior cycle packs in recent years. The junior cycle pack, launched today is the third edition of the resource.

The World of Gaelic Games

The World of Gaelic Games is a children’s dual language book aimed at 8-12 year olds and telling the stories of newcomer children and Diaspora children who are playing Gaelic games. It is the culmination of a project involving a number of schools and pupils all over the country and was supported by The Office of the Minister for Integration, the Inclusion and Diversity Service, Northern Ireland and the National Action Plan against Racism.

GAA Co-ordinator of Gaelic games in Primary Schools, Micheál Martin has overseen the development of both projects.

Speaking at the launch, GAA President, Nickey Brennan , said:

“I am very pleased to formally launch the Third Edition of our Céim ar Aghaidh/Step Ahead resource for Primary Schools. The Middle and Senior cycle resources have been extremely well received by Primary teachers and the INTO and the launch of the Junior cycle programme completes the set.” He continued: “I wish to thank the support of the Office of the Minister for Integration, the Inclusion and Diversity Service, Northern Ireland and the National Action Plan against Racism for their assistance in completing The World of Gaelic Games. I welcome Ministers Conor Lenihan and Catríona Ruane to today’s launch”.

Minister Conor Lenihan commended the GAA for its excellent North-South initiative and commented that “sport can break down barriers and “The World of Gaelic Games” shows how young pupils from all over the world have engaged in our national sports.”

Catríona Ruane , Minister for Education, Northern Ireland said: “Everything we can do to support young people in being active will help us to start addressing issues they face and help them have a healthy lifestyle. These resources are a positive way of supporting this in our schools”