Ireland

Maynooth University to offer first ever GAA history module

President Jarlath Burns ‘delighted’ at GAA inclusion in Maynooth’s undergraduate history curriculum.

Dr Ciaran Reilly of the Department of History at Maynooth University pictured with President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen, MU GAA scholarship students Ryan Burke (Kildare senior football player) and Aoife Dwyer (Tipperary senior camogie player) and GAA President Jarlath Burns at the official launch of the GAA History module at Maynooth University. PHOTOGRAPH: MAXWELLS DUBLIN
Dr Ciaran Reilly of the Department of History at Maynooth University pictured with President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen, MU GAA scholarship students Ryan Burke (Kildare senior football player) and Aoife Dwyer (Tipperary senior camogie player) and GAA President Jarlath Burns at the official launch of the GAA History module at Maynooth University. PHOTOGRAPH: MAXWELLS DUBLIN (JOHN MCELROY)
By Catherine McGinty

Maynooth University undergraduates can now choose to study the history of the GAA as part of their degrees.

The new module will examine the foundations of the GAA and its role in wider Irish society - the first of its kind to in Ireland.

The module was officially launched by GAA President Jarlath Burns, who said he was ‘delighted’ at its inclusion on the undergraduate history curriculum.

Mr Burns added: “As a keen follower of all things historical, I was delighted to learn of the inclusion of this new module focusing on the GAA.

“Given the central role of the Association in Irish life – both sporting and civic - over the course of its 140-year existence, we might well ask how this has never happened before anywhere? In that context I laud the university authorities, not least Dr Ciarán Reilly who will deliver the module.

“I also wish the students well in their endeavours and I am sure the academic lens being brought to bear on our activities will be of real interest to many of them who are familiar with our games through their direct involvement in them,” said Mr Burns.

The second-year module from Maynooth’s Department of History will provide students with a broad introduction to the development of the GAA towards the end of the nineteenth century and the role the organisation played in Irish life, culture, politics, and society.

Examining the Irish sporting landscape prior to the formation of the GAA in 1884, students will consider how the GAA swept the country “like a prairie fire” according to founder Michael Cusack.

Dr Ciarán Reilly of the Department of History at Maynooth University, who delivers the module said: “Historically the GAA has played an integral role in the shaping of modern Ireland, perhaps more so than any other sporting or cultural organisation. This module offers students the opportunity to understand the context in which the GAA was founded and developed.”