Top Issue 1-2024

5 August 2018

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Gaelic Sunday, the sporting and cultural revolution that rocked the empire

Gaelic Sunday will be forever remembered as the peaceful, effective sporting and cultural revolution that rocked the empire.

One hundred years ago, 4 August 1918, Gaels across Ireland made a stand against British repression of our sporting culture. 

This became known as Gaelic Sunday. 

A century ago, Gaelic games was and remains the most popular sporting activity on the island of Ireland.  

The British establishment, so determined to crush the rise in Irish republicanism and nationalism, viewed the GAA as being at the heart of that surge in support. 

The British authorities announced an effective ban on GAA activities - ruling that anyone wishing to play football, hurling or camogie - must register with Dublin Castle. 

The people of Ireland defied them in the best way possible — the GAA organised matches in every parish on Sunday 4 August at 3pm. 

Tens of thousands of people came out in every part of Ireland, played Gaelic Games and celebrated our culture. 

Gaelic Sunday will be forever remembered as the peaceful, effective sporting and cultural revolution that rocked the empire. 

A century later, Gaelic is the most popular sport on the island with the GAA at the heart of local communities. 

Gaelic Sunday is a platform for Gaels across Ireland to remember and celebrate our island’s rich sporting and cultural heritage.

Mar sin ceiliúraigh an Domhnach Gaelach an deireadh seachtaine seo.

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Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

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