Gaelic Athletic Association

Michael Cusak (1847–1906) the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association, was born in this cottage in Carron, County Galway. He was a fluent speaker of the Irish language, and encouraged its promotion in Irish education.

Irish association founded in November 1884 in Tipperary by the Irish sportsmen Michael Cusack and Maurice Davin. Its aims were to promote and develop traditional Irish pastimes, namely hurling and Gaelic football. After rules were drawn up for the games, the first All-Ireland finals were held three years later.

It was extremely wary of outside influences, and introduced a controversial ‘ban’ which threatened expulsion to any member involved in foreign sports such as soccer and rugby. Although the ban was not universally approved of, it remained in place for almost a hundred years. The games themselves thrived, and hurling and Gaelic football are Ireland's two most popular sports today. Handball and rounders are other sports promoted by the GAA, but are not nearly as popular.

The Association came to have profound political significance, often serving as a springboard for nationalist politicians and activists.

The GAA remains a significant focus for community life, with over 2,500 clubs in Ireland, and each of the 32 counties in Ireland having its own club competitions.