From Archbishop Croke to Maurice Davin referring to controversial comments made by Michael Cusack. Along with  Parnell and Davitt, Croke was the first patron of the GAA.

In this letter, Archbishop Croke calls for an end to a dispute that had arisen over controversial remarks made by Michael Cusack.  After founding the GAA in 1884, Cusack worked tirelessly to ensure the growth of the Association. Yet just 20 months after its foundation, the GAA removed Cusack from the post of Secretary in July 1886.  In the months before, there was friction between Cusack and other members of the GAA, and he unintentionally offended Archbishop Croke in a letter.  At a special meeting, held in Thurles on 4th July 1886, Cusack was voted out of the GAA and forced to part company with the organisation that he had founded.

Croke was the first patron of the GAA and played a vital role in bringing the two sides of the GAA together after the 1887 ‘Split’.