How the Gaelic Athletic Association became and stayed a part of local communities across the country.
Founded in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has had a unique influence on Irish life. Since its foundation, the GAA has always claimed that it is more than a sporting body. The organisation pledged itself to a united Ireland and the promotion of the Irish language and culture.
To mark 100 years of the organisation the two hour documentary 'Green Fields' tells the story of the GAA from its foundation to the present day.
In the late years of the 19th century, Ireland experienced a quiet revolution. In rural parts, the change was profound.
The establishment of the GAA had a profound impact on Irish life particularly in rural areas. In the late 19th century, people worked the fields from dawn until dusk.
The coming of the GAA brightened the sky and gave Sunday a new flavour.
As the GAA grew in popularity so too did expressions of identity and through community bonds and local patriotism.
Being called to the colours took on a new meaning.
The Ballymanus Gaelic football team are known as 'The Billy Byrnes', named after a local hero of the 1798 rebellion. Larry Byrne, Ballymanus GAA Club, explains that his club is a small one with a small pool from which to select players. Growing up in the area football was an important part of life for local people. The field has long been a meeting place for all ages in rural Ireland. Football provides an evening and Sunday activity where people gather and get to know each other and make friends.
Everybody in the area has connections with football.
Since the birth of the GAA, the field has become the centre of rural communities. Leitrim footballer Packy McGarty says that the only thing to do growing up was to play football. There were few other outlets, no television and he often had to walk miles to just listen to a match on the radio.
I thought Michael O'Hehir at Croke Park was something out of this world.
'Green Fields, The Story of the GAA' was broadcast on 18 November 1984. The reporter is Doireann Ní Bhriain.
