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How the GAA Survived the Troubles
The GAA can claim members and supporters in every town, village and parish throughout Northern Ireland. Its clubs provide a social and cultural center for the people, and are an integral part of community life.
However, for more than thiry years, the events of the Troubles have represented a significant challenge for the GAA. With its members and property coming under concerted and often savage attack, the Association has been forced to move away from its rigid non-political stance and respond publicly to what was happening in the wider society.
Focusing on the human stories behind the facts, How the GAA Survived the Troubles traces the GAA's journey through the turmoil-political and social-of the three decades of the Troubles. Desmond Fahy interviews the families of the victims and speaks to members about their experiences throughout the Troubles-how so many pursued excellence on the field while coping with tremendous pressures off of it. He also discusses the effects of the controversial rule prohibiting members of the British security forces and RUC from joining the Association.
Over the years, the Troubles have dramatically changed the lives of many GAA families. Like its members and supporters, the GAA itself has had to adapt to new, unforseen circumstances. Now, for the first time, Desmond Fahy, tells the story of the people, their organization, their struggle to survive, and their determination to play the games they love.
However, for more than thiry years, the events of the Troubles have represented a significant challenge for the GAA. With its members and property coming under concerted and often savage attack, the Association has been forced to move away from its rigid non-political stance and respond publicly to what was happening in the wider society.
Focusing on the human stories behind the facts, How the GAA Survived the Troubles traces the GAA's journey through the turmoil-political and social-of the three decades of the Troubles. Desmond Fahy interviews the families of the victims and speaks to members about their experiences throughout the Troubles-how so many pursued excellence on the field while coping with tremendous pressures off of it. He also discusses the effects of the controversial rule prohibiting members of the British security forces and RUC from joining the Association.
Over the years, the Troubles have dramatically changed the lives of many GAA families. Like its members and supporters, the GAA itself has had to adapt to new, unforseen circumstances. Now, for the first time, Desmond Fahy, tells the story of the people, their organization, their struggle to survive, and their determination to play the games they love.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 24, 2025
Grim but important read about the difficulties of the GAA in the north during the troubles
August 21, 2024
This was an interesting little book that I didn't know existed until my partner bought it for me & I'm glad she did. Being from the North of Ireland & a protestant background I have fully embraced my Irishness & this book was a fantastic if not dark look into the "other side" during the troubles.
I also find reading about places I know fascinating, the quotes from the people involved were perfect.
Each chapter focused on a different club & county & how the troubles affected them however I felt personally like the author repeated themselves quite a lot in every chapter & the general flow became the same - the stories & the family input aside.
I also find reading about places I know fascinating, the quotes from the people involved were perfect.
Each chapter focused on a different club & county & how the troubles affected them however I felt personally like the author repeated themselves quite a lot in every chapter & the general flow became the same - the stories & the family input aside.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews