On 1st November 1884, Michael Cusack convened the first meeting of the ‘Gaelic Athletic Association for the Preservation and Cultivation of national Pastimes’ at Hayes’ Hotel in Thurles, County Tipperary. Maurice Davin was elected President. Archbishop Thomas Croke, Michael Davitt and Charles Stewart Parnell were invited to become patrons.

The objectives of the Association were to promote Irish identity, to give control of Irish athletics to Irish people, to end class divisions in Irish sports and to revive indigenous football, hurling, rounders and athletics.