Gaelic football

Gaelic football received its first set of codified rules in 1885, following the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association in the previous year. References from the 17th century onwards describe a form of football being played in Ireland, in which carrying the ball, as well as kicking it, was common. However, regional variations, including ball shape, were many. By the 1860s rural depopulation had led to a decline in the playing of these games. In urban centres sports such as cricket and rugby were now popular. In fact, the resurrection of ‘Gaelic football’ probably owed much to the popularity of rugby, in which early leading figures, such as Michael Cusack, and clubs, such as Laune Rangers, had previously been involved.

An all‐Ireland championship was contested from 1887. By 1915 reduction in team size, the introduction of a lighter ball, the use of hand passing, and new team tactics had made Gaelic football the most popular spectator sport in Ireland: 30,000 watched that year's all‐Ireland final. By 1926 the attendance rose to 40,000, with a record 90,000 crowd in 1961. During its early years the sport was dominated by Dublin teams, though from 1903 the focus turned to Munster. The effects of the First World War and following conflicts were minimal, and the game consolidated its position throughout the country. In 1947 the all‐Ireland final was held in New York, while in 1967 an Australian Rules side toured Ireland. Though profitable, these attempts to encourage Gaelic football overseas largely failed.

Neal Garnham