london
gaa
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London
gaa
T
The 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
“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.”
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