The launch of the new 20 Years exhibition at the GAA Museum took place at Croke Park today.
There was a lot going on in Ireland when the GAA Museum first opened its doors under the new Cusack Stand in 1998. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the first meeting of the Northern Irish Assembly took place, while we bid farewell to the punt and the legendary Bosco and said hello to new television station TV3. On the GAA scene, Offaly were crowned hurling champions and Galway carried Sam Maguire over the Shannon.
The GAA Museum’s new annual exhibition, which launched today, takes us back to that time and traces the key moments in GAA and Croke Park history over the ensuing twenty years. Topics covered include the completion of the Croke Park redevelopment, the introduction of the football qualifiers, the first All-Ireland final under floodlights, Kilkenny’s four-in-a-row, the deletion of Rule 21, the suspension of Rule 42 that paved the way for international rugby and soccer to be played in Croke Park, the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003 and the GAA 125 festivities in 2009.
A highlight of the exhibition is a collection of jerseys including those from the 1998 All-Ireland finals as well as the one worn by Stephen Ireland when he scored the first international soccer goal in Croke Park in March 2007. Also on display is memorabilia from the 2003 Special Olympics alongside hurls signed by artists who have performed at Croke Park including Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay’s Christ Martin and U2.
Speaking at today’s launch Uachtarán Chumann Lύthchleas Gael, John Horan said: "I’m delighted to officially open the ’20 Years’ exhibition here at the GAA Museum. It’s a remarkable achievement to reach the 20 Year mark and this new collection is the perfect way to commemorate the journey so far. It also serves as a launch pad for a fantastic season of celebratory events which we are all very much looking forward to.
"I’d encourage all sports fans to visit the GAA Museum on this very special year and take time to experience this exhibition. I wish the team at the GAA Museum the best of luck with their anniversary programme which I’m sure will attract big crowds over the summer months and beyond."
GAA Museum- 20 Years is curated by GAA Museum curator Joanne Clarke and is housed on the ground floor of the GAA Museum under Croke Park’s Cusack Stand. It will run until May 2019. Entry to the exhibition is included with tickets purchased for Croke Park Stadium Tours, Ericsson Skyline Tours or the GAA Museum.
Full details of the GAA Museum 20 programme of events can be found at www.crokepark.ie/gaamuseum20. Highlights include a free family evening, a photography competition, a midsummer performance and, of course, some birthday cake!
GAA Museum 20 Anniversary Events Programme
**Half Price Stadium Tours **
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***20th of every month from June – December ***
Open to everyone
Join us on our famous eye-opening, access-all-areas tour. From quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history, our passionate Tour Guides will take you on an inspiring journey around our national stadium. Complimentary admission to the GAA Museum is also included.
**GAA Museum Summer School **
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***30th June ***
*Open to everyone (ticketed event) *
This one-day event is not to be missed! In addition to our anniversary, 2018 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Sam Maguire Cup being first presented to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
At this seminar, a range of distinguished speakers from academic and museum backgrounds will explore topics such as Sam Maguire’s Ireland, 1877-1926, and Sam Maguire’s GAA, 1884–1926.
The history and design of the iconic Sam Maguire Cup will also be discussed, with a unique opportunity for you to get a photo with the original cup that was retired in 1987 and is now on permanent display in the GAA Museum.
**Summer Solstice Celebration **
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22nd June
Open to everyone (ticketed event)
The ancient festival of Midsummer will be celebrated in spectacular fashion at this special evening event for families. It will feature a unique performance by the Armagh Rhymers, one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles. Incorporating drama, dance, storytelling and traditional games into an hour-long spectacle, this evening is going to be packed with energy, fun and Celtic creativity.
The event will also include Croke Park pitch viewing, access to the GAA Museum and Interactive Games Zone, as well as traditional Celtic activities in Cú Chulainn’s Den – the museum’s dedicated children’s arts and crafts studio.
**Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tours **
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Selected weekends in July & August
Open to everyone (ticketed event)
Every summer the GAA Museum hosts these unique tours which see some of the biggest names in GAA history relive their memories and give fans a unique chance to experience the stadium from a player’s perspective. This year we’ll be inviting some of our most popular legends back together with a sprinkling of ‘first time’ legends.
**Photography Competition **
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***27th July – 6th August ***
Open to three categories – adult, teen and child
With the theme ‘the GAA is in our DNA’, we invite entrants in each category to show us, in one single image, how Gaelic games are at the heart of Irish life. While action photos from games are welcome, you should consider going beyond this to explore the core GAA values of community identity, inclusiveness, respect, player welfare and teamwork.
All entries must include a photo caption of no more than 50 words written in either English or Irish. From the three age categories, twenty images will be selected to be put on display the GAA Museum. The winning photographs will be revealed at the gala event in September and prize winners will be invited to attend. Prizes also include All-Ireland Final tickets and a day spent with a Sportsfile photographer.
**Heritage Week **
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***18th – 26th August ***
Open to deaf and hard-of-hearing groups, individuals and families
This year’s Heritage Week theme is ‘Sharing Stories - Making Connections’ and we’re pleased to offer free events with this fantastic theme in mind. The theme has challenged us to tell our story to communities that we wouldn’t regularly be in contact with. At 11.30 on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd, we will offer free guided tours in sign language for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Monday’s event will take a family route with our mascot, Cluasóg, on hand to meet and greet the children. Tuesday’s tour will be for adults. Online advance booking is required for this much-anticipated event.
**Official Anniversary **
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***1st September ***
Open to everyone
On this very special day, whoever happens to be our 20th visitor will receive a museum gift pack and a free lunch. Of course, there’s something for everyone else too – our giant birthday cake will be revealed in the morning and our lucky tour visitors can enjoy a celebratory slice during the day, washed down with a complimentary tea or coffee.
**Culture Night **
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***Open to everyone (free ticketed event) ***
The GAA Museum will once again open its doors for Culture Night. What better way to enjoy the magic of Croke Park than by experiencing Ireland’s largest and most historic stadium under lights! This is a free event but due to popularity, pre-registration is required online.
**Féile Fiche **
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28th – 30th September
This Festival weekend will form the pinnacle of our celebrations and is not to be missed! In the spirit of celebrating your role in our anniversary, we’ll be giving back to a different group each day.
**GAA Museum Gala Evening (held in the GAA Museum) **
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Friday 28th September
Invitation Only
This gala event will acknowledge those who have helped with the development of the GAA since its official launch in 1998. The spectacular night will include a red-carpet arrival, champagne reception, entertainment, an address from our Museum Director, food and beverages, amongst other wonderful surprises.
A Night at the GAA Museum
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***Saturday 29th September ***
*Open to families (free ticketed event) *
This is a free open evening designed to give families the opportunity to enjoy a free stadium tour under lights and visit the GAA Museum. It includes fantastic photo opportunities with the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, GAA legends and players, and the GAA Museum mascot. There’s also the added bonus of 20% off everything in the GAA Museum shop. Due to high interest, advance booking is recommended.
**Guinness World Record Attempt **
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***Sunday 30th September ***
GAA Clubs by invitation only
We can’t wait for this one! We’re inviting clubs from around the country to take part in the largest hurling session in the world on the Croke Park pitch, as we attempt to break the Guinness World Record. Watch this space…
Secondary Schools Writing Competition
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September / November
Open to Secondary School Students
We’re inviting secondary school students to show off their writing prowess with an essay, short story or poem with the theme ‘The GAA is at the heart of who we are’. There will be winner and runner-up prizes for Junior and Senior Cycles across both Irish and English language entries.
Winners will be honoured with a special awards ceremony with their parents, teachers and the esteemed the judging panel. They’ll also get a chance to spend the day with the GAA Communications Department, where they might even uncover a future calling…