london
gaa
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London
gaa
T
he GAA is first and foremost a cultural movement established with the aim to keep alive Irish traditions, pastimes,
Gaelic Games and Irish Culture.
The origins of the GAA in London can be
traced back to 1896. Over the intervening
one hundred and seventeen years the
organisation has grown to an extent that
ensures London can lay claim to being the
most successful and vibrant unit within
the Association outside of the island of
Ireland. London’s place in the annals of
GAA history has been secured due to the
contribution of Liam McCarthy and Sam
Maguire amongst other notable figures
in the history of the Association and the
State, to the vibrant organisation that the
GAA in London is today.
Liam McCarthy was on London’s very
first County Committee holding the
position of Treasurer. The following
year McCarthy became Secretary before
assuming the position of President in 1898
a position he held for the next nine years.
1898 also saw Liam McCarthy nominated
as a Vice-President of the Association.
In 1906 McCarthy stood down as
President before returning to the position
in 1909 and serving until 1911. McCarthy
commissioned the manufacture of a
trophy which was offered to Croke Park
and which was gratefully accepted. The
trophy is awarded annually to the winners
of the All Ireland Hurling Championship.
Sam Maguire served alongside Liam
McCarthy as Vice-President from 1902
until 1906. Maguire was an active player
“The organisation has grown to an extent that ensures London can
lay claim to being the most successful and vibrant unit within the
Association outside of the island of Ireland.”
20
Issue 09