The Evolution of the GAA

The Evolution of the GAA brings together leading writers and academics to examine the history of the GAA over 125 years and Gaelic games over previous centuries. This collection outlines the progress made by the organisation and its games in Ulster, Ireland and abroad.

The first section comprises a number of personal reflections by prominent members of the GAA from the last seven decades: President Mary McAleese, Cardinal Seàn Brady, Paddy McFlynn, Maurice Hayes, Jim McKeever, Peter Quinn and Mickey Harte. In the second and third sections, a series of academic essays explore various themes of GAA history, such as the antiquity of hurling and related games in Ulster; the founding of the GAA; the social aspects of early clubs; the role of the press in the propagation of the association; its relationship with religion and politics; its initial struggles in Ulster; the development of the playing rules of football and hurling; the reduction of violence in the games; camogie up to 1950; and the international dimensions of the GAA.

The fourth section includes an appraisal of Cardinal Cardinal O’Fiaich’s involvement with the GAA, and reveals new information about John McKay, the Ulsterman who attended the first meeting of the association in 1884.

Also contained are new records of Ulster senior hurling and football championship results and final teams back to 1888, and the most comprehensive bibliography of GAA-related material published to date. Dozens of previously unpublished photographs and other images feature throughout the volume.