Míle buíochas (Thanks) go Dr. Mairtín Mac Con Iomaire and the academic team from the Tourism Dept of Cathal Brugha Street for having us along at the presentation by Dr Arlene Crampsie of Boston College recently .
The topic covered the amazing GAA Oral history project and the tourism potential of the GAA.
The oral hisory project is another hidden gem. It’s also the largest sports realted oral history project in the world. The work completed by Dr Crampsie and her colleagues has resulted in the compilation of a stunning history of the GAA as told by a cross section of members and observers. The fact that it was completed within 130 years of the foundation of the association means it has captured living folklore and stories right back to the start of the GAA.
Our favourite was the one of the referee on horseback in a game of 21 a side and an argument about the horse obstructing a goal! We’d love to see a TV analysis of that scoring opportunity!
There is a website where a selection of the collection is available on-line – www.gaahistory.com – Check it out for a new story to tell each week!
