GAA: People, Objects and Stories exhibition opens and it has a real Tipperary flavour

A multi-media exhibition that offers a new perspective on the GAA’s influence through the lens of social history, design and popular culture was launched at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks in Dublin.

GAA: People, Objects & Stories is the creation of Dr Siobhán Doyle, who is the NMI’s Curator of Glass, Ceramics and Asian Collections, and author of the critically acclaimed A History of the GAA in 100 Objects, which was published last year. Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, visited the NMI for a tour of the exhibition and for a photocall to mark the launch of the new exhibition.

The exhibition includes objects dating from the 15th century to the present day, including many objects on display from county Tipperary include a commemorative teacup depicting Thomas Croke (1823-1902), Catholic Archbishop of Cashel and first patron of the GAA.

Also on display is the painting, The Tipperary Hurler, by Seán Keating (1928), and an image of children from Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary performing at the Scór na nÓg All-Ireland finals in 2020.

While the GAA was formally established in 1884, the oldest objects on display as part of the exhibition are hurling balls made from matted cow hair with plaited horsehair dating back to the 15th century, found in bogland areas in Co. Kerry, Mayo and Limerick.

Also on display is a rugby football used by the prisoners to play Gaelic football in Frongoch internment camp in Wales in 1916 and a hurl owned by Michael Collins.

On three feature walls, visitors to the exhibition will also be able to see digital reproductions of artworks, newly commissioned design and photographs of Gaelic Games.

How the GAA has influenced artists in the 20th century, the evolution of GAA jersey designs and the crossover in design between the Sam Maguire Cup and the Ardagh Chalice, are amongst the themes that are explored. 

Visitors to the exhibition will be invited to respond to it, with their own GAA memories. These responses will be compiled and included in an exhibition archive that will preserve the stories for future generations.

Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “The GAA is a great national institution which has carved out a special place in Irish society.  As the Association looks ahead to its 140th anniversary, I think it is timely that our National Museum has developed this unique exhibition which I am sure will be extremely popular and provide new insights into both the GAA and Irish life through the years.”

Tom Ryan Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA, said: “We are acutely aware of the reach of the GAA into everyday lives, not only across the island of Ireland but right around the globe and the fascinating gathering of artefacts overseen by Dr Siobhán Doyle bears this out. 

“In many ways the GAA and our games present a mirror image of Ireland and its people and to that end it is no surprise to see that many of the exhibits are normal everyday possessions that one would expect to find in the average Irish home, albeit with a collector’s twist.

“Many of us derived huge enjoyment from Dr Doyle’s book and I warmly welcome the composition of this exhibition which I have no doubt will prove fascinating for GAA members and non-members alike.” 
Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum of Ireland, said: “The GAA has been and continues to be an intrinsic part of Irish life for generations.

“We are delighted to launch this new exhibition, which takes a fresh look at the organisation’s history through the lens of social history, design and popular culture.”

If you are interested in GAA history this exhibition, like the wonderful Lár na Páirce GAA Museum in Thurles, is well worth a visit.