Trinity Sports Clubs Welcome GAA President

Posted on: 24 February 2012

Five Trinity College Dublin sports clubs met with the President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Christy Cooney recently to foster relations and further develop participation in Gaelic games at third level.  Representatives from Trinity’s Men’s Gaelic Football, Ladies Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Handball teams turned out to showcase their achievements in their respective sports. 

Although Gaelic games are not largely associated with Trinity College Dublin, the College has a long tradition and history in the sport.  As early as 1870 Trinity had drawn up its own rules for Hurling, even before the Irish Hurley Union was established in 1879.  Modern GAA sports in Trinity College date from 1949 when Colm Kennelly of Kerry came to College and was encouraged by Ed Stuart, later Professor of Chemistry, to build a GAA Club.  Former alumni of Trinity’s GAA Club include Kevin Heffernan of Dublin, Packy Brennan of Tipperary, Pat Markey of Louth and more recently Joe Brolly of Derry and Pat Gilroy who managed the Dublin team to All Ireland Senior Football success in 2011.

At the event Mr Cooney emphasised the important role third level GAA has for developing players for club and inter-county teams.  He also commented that the role of the volunteer within the GAA is paramount to the success and vibrancy of the organisation and recognised that future administrators and leaders are currently involved as student club officers.  The resurgence of Handball was another highlight of the visit for Mr Cooney who wished the Club well in their upcoming trip to the World Collegiate Championships in the USA next month.