An Illustrated History of the GAA

The GAA is the largest amateur sports body in the world and the most successful voluntary association in the history of modern Ireland. Its games are played in every parish, village and townland of Ireland; its influence on Irish public life is immeasurable. Eoghan Corry traces the history of this extraordinary body in pictures from its foundation in the late nineteenth century through to its continuing success at the heart of sporting culture in Ireland. Drawing on the resources of the GAA Museum in Croke Park plus many private and public sources, Eoghan Corry surveys the development of Gaelic games through their various eras. Among the themes covered are the consistent domination of the football championship by Kerry in every decade; the emergence of Ulster teams, first in the 1960s and more decisively in the 1990s; the up and down fortunes of Dublin's footballers; the emergence of Kilkenny as a major power in hurling immediately before the first World War; the Kilkenny-Cork rivalry of the 1930s; the dominance of Tipperary immediately after the Second World War and in the 1960s; and the brilliant revival of hurling, spearheaded by Clare, in the 1990s. In addition, Eoghan Corry pays due attention to camogie, handball and the social side of the GAA. "A great overview that covers both the foundation of the organisation and the slick phenomenon it has become in Celtic Tiger Ireland, as well as everything in between" - "Irish Independent".