The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded on 1 November 1884, by a group of spirited Irishmen who had the foresight to realise the importance of establishing a national organisation to revive and nurture traditional, indigenous pastimes. Until that time all that was Irish was being steadily eroded by emigration and desperate poverty. The second meeting of the GAA was held in late December 1884 in the Victoria Hotel, Cork. Within six months of that famous first meeting, clubs began to spring up all over Ireland and people began to play the games of hurling and Gaelic football and take part in athletic events with pride.

Since 1884, the association has made huge contributions to the social life of numerous communities across Ireland.  From 1925 the GAA handed over the organisation of athletics to a separate organisation. In 2009, the GAA has over 2,500 clubs in Ireland alone. The playing of Gaelic games is based on the GAA Club, and each of the 32 counties in Ireland have their own Club competitions, culminating in County Winners in championship and league. The GAA has a proud tradition being at the heart of the community promoting self purpose, self confidence, pride and identity.

To commemorate the second meeting of the GAA in Cork in 1884, Cllr Kieran McCarthy has organised a public lecture in the Victoria Hotel and will speak about late nineteenth century Cork and origins of the GAA in the city and county.

The date is Saturday, 12 December 2009, 3-5pm and the venue is the Victoria Hotel, St. Patrick’s Street. Admission is free and all are welcome. More information from Kieran at 0876553389.