The GAA and the War of Independence: A Forgotten History

The GAA and the War of Independence: A Forgotten History tells the untold story of the GAA's role in the Irish War of Independence.

The GAA was founded in 1884 to promote Gaelic games and Irish culture. It quickly became a powerful force in Irish society, with over 1,000 clubs and 200,000 members by 1916.

The GAA and the War of Independence

by Tim Pat Coogan

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14885 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.59 x 1.06 x 8.31 inches

FREE

When the War of Independence broke out in 1919, the GAA was quick to support the IRA. The GAA provided safe haven for IRA volunteers, and many GAA members fought in the IRA.

The British authorities were aware of the GAA's support for the IRA, and they targeted the GAA for reprisals. GAA clubs were burned down, GAA members were arrested and interned, and GAA games were banned.

Despite the British reprisals, the GAA continued to support the IRA throughout the War of Independence. The GAA's support for the IRA was a major factor in the IRA's victory in the war.

The GAA's role in the War of Independence is a forgotten history. However, it is an important story that tells us about the GAA's commitment to Irish independence and its role in Irish history.

The GAA and the IRA

The GAA's support for the IRA was not universal. Some GAA members opposed the IRA's violence, and they believed that the GAA should stay out of politics.

However, the majority of GAA members supported the IRA. They believed that the IRA was fighting for a just cause, and they were willing to risk their own safety to support the IRA.

The GAA's support for the IRA was a major factor in the IRA's success. The GAA provided the IRA with a safe haven, and it helped the IRA to recruit new members.

The GAA's support for the IRA also helped to legitimize the IRA in the eyes of the Irish people. The GAA was a respected institution in Irish society, and its support for the IRA helped to convince many Irish people that the IRA was fighting for a just cause.

The British Reprisals

The British authorities were aware of the GAA's support for the IRA, and they targeted the GAA for reprisals.

GAA clubs were burned down, GAA members were arrested and interned, and GAA games were banned.

The British reprisals were designed to intimidate the GAA and to discourage it from supporting the IRA.

However, the British reprisals had the opposite effect. They only served to strengthen the GAA's support for the IRA.

The GAA's defiance in the face of British reprisals was a major factor in the IRA's victory in the War of Independence.

The GAA's Legacy

The GAA's role in the War of Independence is a forgotten history. However, it is an important story that tells us about the GAA's commitment to Irish independence and its role in Irish history.

The GAA's support for the IRA was a major factor in the IRA's victory in the War of Independence. The GAA's defiance in the face of British reprisals also helped to legitimize the IRA in the eyes of the Irish people.

The GAA's legacy is one of commitment to Irish independence and Irish culture. The GAA is a vital part of Irish society, and it continues to play an important role in Irish life.

The GAA and the War of Independence: A Forgotten History is a fascinating and important book that tells the untold story of the GAA's role in the Irish War of Independence.

The book is well-researched and well-written, and it is a valuable contribution to the history of the GAA and the Irish War of Independence.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Irish history, Irish sport, or the GAA.

Image Credits

• The GAA website
• The RTE website
• The Irish Times website

The GAA and the War of Independence

by Tim Pat Coogan

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14885 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.59 x 1.06 x 8.31 inches

FREE