History of the GAA to be told through fascinating objects at Carrick-on-Suir castle talk

A fascinating presentation and talk by cultural historian Dr Siobhán Doyle telling the story of the GAA through memorabilia will take place in Carrick-on-Suir's Ormond Castle on Monday, August 18.

The National Heritage Week event in the Castle’s audio visual room will be based on the historian’s book, A History of the GAA in 100 Objects. It will be a very interesting hour for local GAA fans still on a high after the Tipperary hurling team’s All-Ireland Final victory.

The presentation and talk is being organised by Carrick-on-Suir’s Tudor Artisan Hub Arts Collective of which Dr Doyle is a former member.

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Dr Doyle, who works in the National Museum, will highlight the intriguing memorabilia and objects associated with gaelic games and the stories behind them that she uncovered when travelling around the country researching and writing her book.

Her talk will highlight the challenges and charms of telling stories through objects and how even the most ordinary, everyday objects can tell remarkable stories.

Linda Fahy of the Tudor Artisan Hub said Dr Doyle’s presentation will be an invaluable educational opportunity to deepen Carrick-on-Suir people’s understanding of the GAA’s profound impact on Irish culture and the significance of preserving historical artifacts.

“It will highlight the GAA’s historical connections to Carrick-on-Suir, especially through Maurice Davin, co-founder of the GAA, reinforcing the Association’s lasting relationship with the community,” she said.

Ms Fahy thanked Ormond Castle and the OPW for hosting the event.

She said Dr Doyle’s talk and presentation will not only be a celebration of cultural heritage but also a call to preserve and cherish the artifacts that connect us to our past.

“By weaving together the stories of objects and the people who cherished them, this presentation will leave a lasting impact on the audience, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the GAA’s enduring influence on Irish culture,” she added.

Dr Siobhán Doyle is a curator and author and has a PhD in Museum Studies. Her research interests include sports history, cultural history and memory studies.

The Wexford woman is also a talented visual artist, specialising in pop art.

She exhibited her work in Carrick’s Tudor Artisan Hub and at local festival exhibitions for many years. She specialised in ‘pop art’.

A History of the GAA in 100 Objects, which was her first book, was published by Merrion Press in 2022 and was nominated for Sportsbook of the Year in the An Post Irish Book Awards.

The book has since been developed into a multi-media exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland.

Dr Doyle is currently researching her second book on Irish Sport in 100 Objects, which is due to be published in the autumn next year.

Her History of the GAA in 100 Objects presentation and talk is free of charge to attend thanks to the support of Tipperary Heritage Office.

However, people planning to attend must pre-book their place. To book your place call (086) 2560609 or (051) 640921 or email: tudorartisanhub@gmail.com

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