The GAA v Douglas Hyde book launch
September 24, 2012THE GAA v DOUGLAS HYDE - The Removal of Ireland's First President as GAA Patron by Cormac Moore is a compelling account of one of the most contentious incidents in GAA history, an incident that strained relations between the GAA and Éamon de Valera's Fianna Fáil government. It also damaged the credibility of the Ban and was used extensively by opponents to argue for its removal.
Douglas Hyde: Founding member of the Gaelic League, patron of the GAA and staunch advocate of Irish culture, he was inaugurated as the first President of Ireland in June 1938.
The GAA: The pillar of Irish sporting culture, the Association was intensely proud of its traditions.
Rule 27 ('The Ban'): 'Any member of the Association who plays or encourages in any way rugby, football, hockey or any imported game which is calculated to injuriously affect our National Pastimes, is suspended from the Association.'
On 13 November 1938, just months after his inauguration, President Hyde attended a soccer match between Ireland and Poland. In a passionate reaction, the GAA declared that by attending a 'foreign game', he had broken Rule 27 and he was removed as patron on 17 December, ratifying the decision at the annual GAA Congress in April 1939.
Cormac Moore explores Hyde's rise to prominence and his relationship with the GAA, as well as the background to the Ban itself. He examines arguments for and against the decision to remove Hyde as patron, as well as national and international reaction to this controversial decision.
The first account of this fascinating and controversial decision by the GAA is full of dramatic episodes, involving major individuals from recent history, and complemented by previously unpublished photographs.
Cormac Moore, from Laois, has a Master's degree in history from UCD and is currently pursuing a PhD on a history of soccer in Ireland.
Published in September 2012 • €14.99/ £12.99 • 978-1-84889-152-4 • Paperback • 216 x 138 mm • 232 pp • b&w photos Tweet
