skip to main content

GAA to mark Bloody Sunday anniversary at Croke Park

Hill 16 will not be open to the public on Saturday as it features prominently in the commemorations
Hill 16 will not be open to the public on Saturday as it features prominently in the commemorations

The GAA will commemorate the 95th anniversary of Bloody Sunday at Croke Park prior to the start of the Eirgrid International Rules Test between Ireland and Australia.

Fourteen people perished at the hands of crown forces at a challenge match between Dublin and Tipperary at Croke Park on 21 November 1920, including Tipperary captain Michael Hogan, after whom the Hogan Stand was subsequently named.

GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail and director general Paraic Duffy will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Gate 41, where Hogan was shot and fatally injured.

The lights around the stadium will be dimmed and, as a specially-commissioned piece of footage is shown on the big screen, 14 lanterns will be lit - one for each of the lives lost on that day - and their names will be read out.

There will then follow a moment’s silence.

Ó Fearghail told RTÉ Sport: "As their names are read out, we will light a special flame on Hill 16 - Hill 16 will not be open for patrons tomorrow night.

“All other parts of the stadium will and on Hill 16 we have 14 flames and each one will be lit in turn as the names are read out.

“So we think it will be a poignant and special moment of reflection, and the flames will remain lit throughout the game.”

Sunday Times journalist Michael Foley, author of The Bloodied Field, has penned a piece to mark the occasion in the commemorative match programme.

The Australia team attended a special lecture in the Croke Park museum this week about the significance of Bloody Sunday.

Hogan’s jersey - complete with two bullet holes - is currently on loan to Croke Park and on display.

Read Next