GAA Museum Commemoration Programme

A microcosm of the War of Independence; the events of Bloody Sunday on 21st November 1920 marked a decisive turning-point in Irish history.

In Croke Park, the Dublin and Tipperary football teams lined out for a great challenge match. Spectators filled the grounds, completely unaware that the RIC were mobilising, intent on carrying out an act of deadly retribution for the earlier assassinations of British intelligence agents by Michael Collins’ Squad. 10 minutes into the game, shots rang out. The firing lasted for 90 seconds, killing 14 civilians and injuring 60 more.

Later that evening, the killing of two high-ranking Dublin IRA officers, Dick McKee and Peadar Clancy, and Irish language enthusiast, Conor Clune, in Dublin Castle brought the tragic day to an end.

As the national custodian of all of the archives and artefacts of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the GAA Museum is honoured to remember the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Celebrating Ireland’s national games and how the GAA has contributed to our cultural, social and sporting heritage is at the heart of everything we do. Remembering Bloody Sunday is therefore of utmost importance to us and we invite you to remember it with us through our sensitively curated, diverse events programme.