The Gaelic Athletic Association was found on this day in 1884. As part of the Gaelic Revival movement, taking place in the late 19th century, the GAA was founded as not just any sporting organization. The intent was to "foster a spirit of earnest nationality" as a means of "saving thousands of young Irishmen from becoming mere West Britons." It was an effort to preserve Irish … [Read more...] about November 1, 1884
Today In History
July 29, 1883
James Carey, leader of the controversial Irish National Invincibles, was killed by Patrick O'Donnell on this day in 1883. The Invincibles, who were a more radical group formed by IRB members, were responsible for the brutal Phoenix Park murders of Thomas Henry Burke and Lord Frederick Cavendish. On January 13, 1883, Carey was arrested along with 16 other members of the … [Read more...] about July 29, 1883
October 17, 1882
The Irish Nationalist League is formed on this day in 1882. Founded by Ireland's "uncrowned king" and nationalist politician Charles Stewart Parnell, the Irish Nationalist League was the successor to the former Irish Land League. The two parties had different goals though. The former Land League fought for land reform in Ireland, but the Nationalist League campaigned for Home … [Read more...] about October 17, 1882
February 20, 1882
Padraic O Conaire, one of the most important yet lesser known figures in the Gaelic Revival movement, was born on February 20, 1882 in Galway. After emigrating to London in 1899, O Conaire got a position with the Board of Education. It was through this position that he first became involved with the work of the Gaelic League. He returned to Ireland in 1914 and taught at … [Read more...] about February 20, 1882
October 18, 1881
The Land League, under the guidance of Charles Stewart Parnell, who was imprisoned at Kilmainham Gaol, issued the "No Rent Manifesto" on this day in 1881. The manifesto called for a national tenant farmer rent strike in order to combat the Second Land Act of 1881. The Land League was immediately suppressed by the British upon the issue of this manifesto. This would eventually … [Read more...] about October 18, 1881