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16/07/2024

Foundations to Future exhibition launched at the GAA Museum

A new exhibition at the GAA Museum celebrates milestone anniversaries of the Associations as Gaelic Football, Hurling and Rounders turn 140 years old, Camogie 120, Handball 100, and LGFA 50.
 
Foundations to Future explores the creation and development of the Gaelic Games Association, with a particular focus on the inspiring role volunteers have played from the past to the present. The GAA Museum, which was recently recognized in TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards for 2024, invites all members of the Associations to visit the exhibition.
 
In attendance, from left, GAA Handball President Conor McDonnell, LGFA Chief Executive Officer Helen O'Rourke, GAA Museum Archivist Adam Staunton, Former Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta Hilda Breslin, National Head of GAA Handball David Britton, GAA Museum Director Niamh McCoy and Croke Park Stadium Director Peter McKenna during the ‘Foundations to Future’ exhibition launch at the GAA Museum in Croke Park, Dublin.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “This is a monumental year for all involved in Gaelic games from Football, Hurling and Handball to Camogie, Ladies Football and Rounders. Our collective milestones are a testament to the countless volunteers who for decades have nurtured and guided our national games to the position of strength and popularity that they enjoy today.
 
Since 1998 the GAA Museum has been an integral part of the Croke Park experience and the telling of our story. This new exhibit is a proud reflection of the journey that Gaelic games has been on and the exciting future which lies ahead. I want to thank Adam Staunton and his colleagues for the delivery of this project and encourage all our members to make it their business to come and visit this new exhibition.”
 
Speaking at the launch of the new exhibition at Croke Park, GAA Museum Director Niamh McCoy said, “We are delighted to unveil this very special exhibition in such an important year for the Gaelic Games family and celebrate the people who have grown the Associations from their foundation to the present, providing us with iconic moments and countless memories along the way.”
Adam & Rounders shot: In attendance, from left, Former GAA Rounders President Michael Dowling and GAA Museum Archivist Adam Staunton during the ‘Foundations to Future’ exhibition launch at the GAA Museum in Croke Park, Dublin.

Featured items on display in the exhibition come from all of the Associations, and include:
  • The Silvermines Cup, the first trophy presented at a GAA intercounty match
  • The First Reference of Gaelic Games outside of Ireland from 1747
  • A letter addressed to Michael Collins arranging for Collins to be a linesman in a GAA match
  • Ann Downey's Medal Collection including 12 All Ireland inter-county medals with Kilkenny in camogie
  • The football used in the First LGFA All-Ireland Senior Final
  • Bríd Stack's medal collection including 11 All-Ireland Senior medals
  • 1930 All-Ireland Junior Soft Ball Doubles Medal won by John Molloy
  • 2017 Rounders All-Star Jersey
Foundations to Future is housed on the ground floor of the GAA Museum in Croke Park and is available to view for all GAA Museum visitors. The GAA Museum is open daily throughout the year, including match days, when match supporters can enjoy free admission with their match tickets.
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