TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF HISTORY
This experience is designed especially for students studying History for the Leaving Certificate.
What better way to really immerse your students in the story of the GAA than with a history field trip at the home of Gaelic games. Even the hard-to-impress student will find themselves with a new appreciation of our past. This visit centres around four themes:
1. National Awakenings
We begin with the ultimate scene setter – a screening of our specially commissioned National Awakenings film, which charts the birth of the GAA at a time of cultural revival in Ireland. The film examines the links between the GAA and the Irish struggle for independence and explains how GAA members became entwined in this turbulent period of Irish history.
2. GAA Museum Show and Tell
This is a fascinating, in-depth tour of the GAA Museum, where your tour guide will point out exhibits and artefacts linked to prominent historical figures that are key to the Leaving Certificate syllabus. Highlights include a match ticket from Bloody Sunday 1920 and a minute book from the Geraldines Athletics Club in London, where Michael Collins served as treasurer and secretary.
3. Historical Croke Park
Here students will get under the skin of Croke Park, visiting the dressing rooms and warm-up area before experiencing the thrill of walking pitchside through the players’ tunnel. Your class will take a seat in the Ard Comhairle (our VIP section) to learn more about the history of the GAA and the role the Association played in the development of modern Ireland. They’ll also hear about events surrounding Bloody Sunday 1920 and learn of prominent GAA personalities including Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin and Archbishop Croke.
4. A World Class Venue
From a look back to a look down – students will get to take a break from the history and enjoy a birds’ eye view of the famous pitch from the Mícheál O’Hehir Media Centre. They’ll hear all about stadium life on match day, when up to 82,000 fans make their way to the home of Gaelic games.
Teacher Tips
- The GAA regularly features in Leaving Certificate exam questions, and this tour experience brings the history curriculum to life for students.
- Provides inspiration for Leaving Certificate History Research Topics.
- Duration is approximately 2 hours.
- Education Pack for every student is included in the price.
- Cost is €11.50 per student (with minimum of 15 students).
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