Special conference to mark 125th anniversary

THE 125th anniversary celebrations of the GAA continue later this month with a one-day conference hosted by the GAA Museum, Sports History Ireland, and the GAA Oral History Project, based in Boston College’s headquarters in Dublin. It takes place in Croke Park on Saturday, April 25th.

Leading social and sporting historians from Ireland and overseas will explore the history of the GAA and its place within Irish society.

Speakers will discuss a range of topics, including the ancient origins of hurling, the GAA in Ulster and among the Irish Diaspora, the GAA and politics, the GAA in film and photography, the GAA and the Irish language, and the socio-economic background of players.

The conference will close with the launch by the president of the GAA, Christy Cooney, of a collection of 14 essays, The Gaelic Athletic Association, 1884-2009 (Irish Academic Press, 2009).

The essays have been edited by Mike Cronin, William Murphy and Paul Rouse.

Tickets are available from the GAA Museum in Croke Park – adult €15, student/senior €10. Admission includes tea/coffee at registration. Lunch not included. Booking is essential.

For more information see www.gaa.ie/museum.

Meanwhile, the draw for the women’s National Football League semi-finals took place in Croke Park yesterday. Women’s football chief executive Helen O’Rourke and Ger Cunningham of Bord Gáis Energy carried out the draws for the semi-finals of all three divisions, which will take place on the April 18th-19th.

Reigning champions Cork will face a Dublin side who beat them in the regular league season. In the other side of the draw, Laois will face 2007 League champions Mayo.

In Division Two, Tipperary will face Waterford, while Sligo take on Down. In Division Three, Limerick will play Wicklow and Derry will meet Roscommon.

The venues and dates will be announced later in the week. The finals will be played at the same venue on May 9th-10th.