Michael Collins, Luke O'Toole, and Harry Boland pictured at Croke Park. O'Toole was General Secretary of the GAA from 1901 to 1929 and central to the success of 'Gaelic Sunday'.
August 4, 1918 will be remembered as one of the most remarkable and significant days in the history of the GAA. Known as Gaelic Sunday – it was a day when the clubs of the GAA stood against the British Empire and triumphed in a peaceful protest.
In 1918 the British authorities in Ireland were trying to impose conscription to supplement the war effort but there was massive opposition to this. British authorities blamed the GAA in part for this opposition and hit back by preventing matches from taking place, stopping the provision of special trains to carry supporters to matches and insisting that a written permit was required granting permission for any GAA match to take place.
In response the GAA declared a national day of defiance and called on GAA clubs all over Ireland to refuse to seek a permit and instead organise club activity for 3pm on Sunday, August 4. The result was that an estimated 54,000 took part with more than 100,000 watching and such was the success of the initiative that the attempt to impose a requirement for a license to play Gaelic games was scrapped.
This year marks the centenary of that courageous act and we want GAA Clubs all over Ireland to show a similar level of pride in their club, their games and the area they represent.
Across the weekend of August 4&5 we want clubs to hold their own club events as part of these commemorations. It could be an internal club tournament, family day or club history exhibit. What matters is that 100 years on we still have games and GAA clubs we are proud of.
As we count down to the Gaelic Sunday commemorations, we take a look back on the matches that were played on that day 100 years ago.
Can you spot your own club?
This list of fixtures from August 4, 1918 is a work in progress, so feel free to contact us is you believe you can add to it.
ARMAGH
Kilmore Harps v O’Rahillys, Kilmore
Dorsey Emmets v Crossmaglen Plunketts, Dorsey
Maghery v Annaghmore, Maghery
Tullydonnell Rovers v Clonallig Dillons, Camlough
Crossmaglen Plunketts Juniors v Rangers 8, Crossmaglen
Tir na nOg Emmets v Young Ireland’s Hope, Duke’s Grove
CAVAN
Drumbo v Slashers, Drumbo (football)
Corlough v Swanlinbar, Corlough (football)
Bailieborough v Virginia, Good Old Cross (football)
Kildallon v Drumlane, Kildallon (football)
Cootehill v Drumgoon, Foy’s Green (football)
Crosserlough v Kilnaleck, Chapel Grounds, Crosserlough (football)
Templeport v First Hands, Ballyconnell (football)
Lacken v Cornafean, Drumcoghill (football – not played)
Denn v Crosserlough, Crosskeys (football – not played)
Anna v Castletara, Redhills (football)
Mullahoran v Gowna, Kilsam (football)
Belturbet v Kildallon (football)
Ballymachugh v Moyna (football)
CLARE
Priests v Brothers, Kilkee (on the strand – hurling)
CORK
Shamrocks v Emmets, Monkstown
Cobh v Passage, Cobh
Carrigtwohill v Midleton, Carrigtwohill
Aghabullogue v Cloughduv, Coachford
Lisgoold v Sarsfields, Riverstown
Redmonds v Blackrock, Riverstown
Ballinhassig v Belgooly, Belgooly
Bandon v Knockavilla, Bandon
Kilbrittain v Ballinaspittle, Bandon
Bantry v Glengarriff, Glengarriff
Doneraile v Kildorrery, Mitchelstown
Dromina v Charleville
Ballyhea v x, Glenville
Fermoy v Mitchelstown, Kilworth
Castletownroche v ? Vale, Kilworth
Youghal v Aiglish, Youghal
Limerick v Tipperary, Cork Athletic Grounds
Nils v Lees, Cork Athletic Ground
Aghada v Cloyne, Aghada
Castletreasure v Ballygarvan, Douglas
Carrigaline v Tracton, Carrigaline
Dunmanway v Ballineen, Dunmanway
Skibbereen v Kilmacabea, Glandore
Clonakilty v Rosscarbery, Clonakilty
Clondrohid v Cill na Martra, Clondrohid
Macroom v St Johns, Macroom
Blarney v Inniscarra, Ballincollig
Collegians v St Finbarrs, Ballincollig
Mallow v Lombardstown, Mallow
Courtbrack v Donoughmore, Glantane
Millstreet v Kanturk, Cullen
? v Carrignabhfear, Ballygarvan
Glenville v Templemartin, Ballygarvan
St Marys v Nemo, Dublin Pike
Rangers v Fair Hill, Carrigrohane
Fr O’Learys v Glen Rovers, Douglas
DOWN
Emmets v Fag A Bealach, Newry
Ballyvarley Shamrocks v John Mitchels, Banbridge
DORA v Small Nation, Hilltown (football)
DUBLIN
Fintan Lalors v St Sylvesters, Croke Park (football)
Glasthule Mitchels v Parnells, Croke Park (football)
Donores v Fontenoys, Ringsend Park (football)
Connolly-Mallin v St Luke O’Tooles, Ringsend Park (football)
Faughs v Commercial Rapps, Fifteen Acres (hurling)
Geraldines v Desmonds, Fifteen Acres (football)
Ronans v Con Colberts, Fifteen Acres (football)
Peader Mackens v Keatings, Fifteen Acres (football)
Davis v Kevins, Fifteen Acres (hurling)
Round Towers v St Marys, Clondalkin (football)
O’Rahilly v M’brides, Sandymount (football)
Stars of the Sea v Young Irelands, Baldoyle (hurling)
Young Emmets v Greenhill Davis, Fox and Geese (football)
Eamonn Ceannts v Crumlin Independents, Crumlin (football)
St Doloughs v Thomas Ashe, Balheary (football)
Wolfe Tones v Western Gaels, Westpark Glasnevin (football)
Oldtown v St Margarets, St Margarets (football)
Erin Go Bragh v Erins Isle, Clonsilla (football)
McCrackens v CYMS Donnybrook, Blackrock Park (football)
Stars of Erin v St Benedicts (Dalkey), Cornelscourt (football)
Terenure Sarsfields v Bros Pearse, Terenure (football)
Clann O’Tooles v St Brendans, Church Road (football)
St Marys v Erins Pride, Church Road (football)
GALWAY
Galway Emmets v Terryland, South Park Galway (hurling)
Galway Gaels v Moycullen, South Park Galway, (football)
Gurteen v Barnaderg, Dunmore (football)
Loughrea v Kilnadeema, Loughrea (hurling)
Monivea v Skehana, Newcastle (hurling)
KILDARE
Celbridge v Leixlip, Celbridge
Black Trench v Caragh, Black Trench
Naas v Eadestown, Naas
Kilcock v Cappagh, Kilcock
Roseberry v Eyrefield, Newbridge
Kilcullen v Ballymore, Kilcullen
St Evans v Monasterevin, Monasterevin
Kilkea v Castledermot, Castledermot
Kildoon v Kilrush, Kildoon
Carrick v Rathangan, Rathangan
Prosperous v Blackwood, Prosperous
Clane v Mainham, Clane
Athy v Bert, Athy
Kildare v Maddenstown, Kildare
Milltown v Newbridge, Milltown
Caragh II v Clane II, Caragh
Two Mile House v St Conleths, Two Mile House
KERRY
Kilgarvan v Kenmare Shamrocks, Killarney (football)
KILKENNY
Dunmore v Conagh, Dunmore
Grange v CYMS, Grange
Coolagh v Kells, Callan
Blanchfield Park v Gowran, Paulstown
Hugginstown v Kilmoggany, Hugginstown
Milebush v Cappagh, Milebush
Glenmore v Tulogher, Ballyfacey
Mangan v Coolroe, Graigue
Bigwood v Glenmore, Bigwood
Foulkstown v Dicksboro, St James’ Park
Conahy v Tullawood, Three Castles
Clomanto v Freshford, Clomanto
Crosspatrick v Horse and Jockey, Johnstown
Ballycloven v Tullaroan, Kilmanagh
Callan v Kilmanagh, Callan
Dunamaggin v Ahenure, Dunamaggin
Mullinavat v Knockmoylan, Smithstown
Lukeswell v Killahy, Killeen
Graigue v Mangan, Graigue
Thomastown v Bennettsbridge, Thomastown
Chapelhill v Ballyhale, Knocktopher
Kilmacow v Clogga, Kilmacow
Suirside Rovers v Ramblers, Piltown
Slieverue v Davidstown, Slieverue
LAOIS
Maryborough v Dunamaise, Maryborough (football)
Clonad v Maryborough, Clonad (hurling)
Portlaoise v Athy, The Heath (football)
LIMERICK
Young Irelands v Claughaun, Markets Field
Shamrocks v Treaty, Markets Field (hurling)
Murroe v Clare Glens, Castleconnell (hurling)
Cappamore v Pallas, Cappamore (hurling)
Castleconnell v Caherline, Abington (hurling)
Doon juniors v Pallas, Doon (hurling)
Oola v Gurtavalla, Oola (football)
Ballyhahill v Shanagolden, Ballyhahill (football)
Athea v Abbeyfeale, Athea (football)
Templeglantine v Tournafulla, Templeglantine (football)
Newcastlewest v Knockaderry, Newcastlewest (football)
Kildimo v Ballynahown, Kildimo (hurling)
Feenagh v Kilmeedy, Feenagh (hurling)
Askeaton v Ballysteen, Askeaton (football)
Rathkeale v Croagh, Rathkeale (hurling)
LOUTH
Harps v Rangers, Shamrock Lodge (football)
Tredaghs v Stars, Shamrock Lodge (football)
MAYO
Ballintubber v Partry, Ballinrobe
Castlebar v Ballyglass, Castlebar
Aughagower v Newport, Westport
Balla v Swinford, Balla (hurling)
Swinford v Bohola, Balla (football)
Ballinrobe v Ballyhaunis, Claremorris
Aghamore v Ballyhaunis (Junior), Claremorris
Kiltimagh v Charlestown, Kilmovee
Kilmovee v Ballaghaderreen, Charlestown
Ardagh v Ballysokeery, Crossmolina
Crossmolina v Rake Street, Crossmolina
Attymass v Corrembla, Ballina
MEATH
Matches played at: Navan, Trim, Kells, Kildalkey, Donore, Kieran, Dunboyne, Enfield, Ashbourne
MONAGHAN
Latton v Bawn, Derrygooney (football)
St Tiernachs (Kaffers) v St Tiernachs (Hottentots) (football – outside Clones)
Currin v Coppenagh
OFFALY
Birr v Eglish, Birr (football)
Killoughey v Drumcullen, Ballyboy
Kinnitty v Knockhill, Killoughey
Banagher v Cloghan, Banagher (football)
Banagher v Lusmagh, Banagher (hurling)
Coolderry v Birr, Coolderry (senior hurling)
Shinrone v Coolderry, Shinrone (junior hurling)
Kilcolman v Cadamstown, Kilcolman (junior hurling)
Kilcolman v Cadamstown, Knockbarron ( junior hurling)
Belmont v Clonascra, Belmont (football)
Clara v Tullamore, Clara (senior football)
Tullamore v Clara, Ballyduff (junior football)
Rahan v Tullamore, Rahan (senior hurling)
Ballinagar v Killeigh, Ballinagar (football)
Geashill v Philipstown, Geashill (football)
Killeigh v Rahan, Gurteen (junior hurling)
Durrow v Croghan, Philipstown (football)
Rhode v Edenderry, Clonmore (senior football)
Edenderry v Clonmore, Edenderry (junior football)
Edenderry v Tullamore, Rhode (junior hurling)
ROSCOMMON
Cootehall v Arigna, Cootehall (football)
Boyle v Crossna, Cootehall (football)
Drumlion v Hillstreet, Kilmore (football)
Northyard v Rooskey, Kilmore (football)
Tarmonbarry v Curraghroe, Tarmonbarry (football)
Tulsk v Strokestown, Tulsk (football)
Roscommon v Donamon, Fuerty (football)
Elphin v Croghan, Elphin (football)
Kilmore v Castlerea, Castleplunket (football)
Clonown v Bealinamulla, Athlone (football)
SLIGO
Gurteen v Monasteraden, Gurteen
Tobercurry v Carntubber, Tobercurry (camogie)
Tobercurry v Local Colleges Selection, Tobercurry (five-a-side gaelic football)
Tobercurry v Local Colleges Selection, Tobercurry (hurling)
TIPPERARY
Ballina v Ballywilliam
Newport v Birdhill, Clare Glens
Portroe v Garrykennedy
Shallee v Foilnamuck
Kiladangan v Ardcroney, Ardcroney
Finnoe v Kilbarron, Finnoe Abbey
Abbeyville v Eglish, Abbeyville
Lorrha v Glenahilty, Abbeyville
Roscrea v Coolderry, Roscrea
Toomevara v Moneygall, Park
Toomevara v Gurtagarry, Gurtagarry
Ballymackey v Nenagh, Kilruane
Templederry v Curreeny
Newport Shamrocks v Ballinahinch
Cashel v Boherlahan, Cashel
TYRONE
(Venues)
Moveagh, Killybearn, Drummullan
WATERFORD
Young Irelands v Ferrybank (senior hurling), Waterford Sportsfield
Young Irelands v Ferrybank (junior hurling), Waterford Sportsfield
Emmets v Geraldines (football), Waterford Sportsfield
WESTMEATH
Athlone v Bealnamulla, Athlone Sports Grounds
National Boy Scouts (Athlone) v St Patricks League (minor), Athlone Sports Grounds
Sean Costellos v St Patricks League, Athlone Sports Grounds
WEXFORD
(Venues)
Wexford District: Crosstown, Screen, Rosslare, Grawtown, Taghmon, Murrintown, Scar, Castlebridge, Redmoor, Piercestown, Drinagh
Enniscorthy District: Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ballyhague, Oylegate, Ballagh, Oulart, Blackwater, Clonroche, Monageer, Newtownbarry, Glenbrien, Boolavogue, Ferns, Effernogue
New Ross District: New Ross, Glynn, Fethard, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Foulksmills, St Leonards, Ballybrazil, Arthurstown, Ballybeg, Ballywilliam
Gorey District: Gorey, Ballycanew, Kilanerin, Clologue, Camolin, Brideswell
WICKLOW
Bray Emmets v Bulfins, People’s Park Bray
Matches held in: Croneyhorn, Tinahely, Annacurra, Rathdrum, Newbawn, Ballymoney, Ashford, and Redcross