A lecture on the GAA entitled 'An Apolitical Association by Dr. Richard McElligott will take place on Sunday 14th February @ 3pm in Muldoon's Lounge Drumconrath

When he founded the GAA, Michael Cusack ushered in a sporting revolution in Ireland. The GAA initiated the mass participation in organised sport among ordinary Irishmen. By 1889, it was reported that there were 777 affiliated branches with almost 50,000 members in Ireland and the All Ireland Championships were already two years old. Yet despite this remarkable success, the 1890s would witness the almost total collapse of the GAA in Ireland. 

However, its survival and resurrection into the powerful force it became in twentieth century Ireland can in large part be credited with the skills and vision of one man, Richard Thomas Blake of Meath. Through his administrative talents and, in particular, his overhaul of the GAA's playing rules, the Association was able to become the most popular and influential sporting organisation in Ireland. 

Yet, despite Blake's efforts, his contribution to the survival and ultimate triumph of the GAA has been largely forgotten. This was the legacy of the battle for control within the Association between Blake and more politically radical officials who represented the powerful influence of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

Dr Richard McElligott is a lecturer in Modern Irish History in UCD and is a native of North Kerry. He has written and published extensively on the early history of the GAA and, in particular, its role in the Irish Revolutionary period. He is one of the main contributors to the Irish Independent's on-going 1916 Collection of supplements. His first book, Forging a Kingdom: The GAA in Kerry 1884-1934, was published to widespread critical acclaim, being nominated as the Irish Times' 'Sports Books of the Year', 2013. He fully expects to see Sam return home to the Kingdom in 2016.

Admission is free and donations if desired will be accepted to cover costs

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