This book, which in May 2010 won the North American Society for Sports History (NASSH) award for the best edited volume published in 2009, brings together some of the leading writers in the area of Irish history to assess the importance of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Irish society since its founding in 1884 and it is the first key book to center on the GAA and Irish history. While there has been much written about the GAA, the bulk of work has concentrated on the sporting aspects of the Association - the great games and famous players - rather than the role that the GAA has played in wider Irish history. The chapters cover a large chronological span dating back to the origins of hurling, through the foundation of the GAA, its role in the political life of the nation and ending with an assessment of some of the main issues facing the GAA into the twenty-first century. Importantly, the book also offers original and insightful work on areas including the class make up of the GAA, the centrality of Amateurism in the Association, the role of the Irish language, and the ways in which films have featured Gaelic games.

A unique sports book which will ensure you never again look at hurling and football the same way. Michael Moynihan talks frankly to current and recent players and gets the inside story on how money courses through the GAA. The greatest amateur sports association in the world? Michael Moynihan takes a look behind the scenes to reveal the truth about the GAA and looks for answers to the awkward questions. Why won't hurling and Gaelic football become professional? What would it cost to complete Croke Park? What's the economic benefit of winning an All-Ireland? What would it have cost the GAA not to host rugby and soccer? Who gets paid? What are the spin-offs for players? And, by the way, what county supporters really bring their own sandwiches to the All-Ireland final?