G.A.A. Museum Trip

Dear Followers,

On  Monday we all headed to Croke Park to the G.A.A. museum for a History trip. By far it was one of the best trips we had done so far this year! We saw and learned so much!

When we got there we were shown a short video that was recorded when they were preparing for the 2009 football and hurling finals. Two Sundays in September. It was really interesting to see how much is done for one game. It showed the mass in the morning, stewards getting briefed, Gardai getting brief, restaurant preparing, players warming up and getting ready and much more. It was a good video but unfortunately it was the year Tipperary lost to Kilkenny so I didn't enjoy that part of the video.

Next we were brought on for a tour of Croke park itself! We learned who the stands were named after and why and the history of Croke park and the G.A.A. We then got to go into the changing rooms of the players, more importantly last years winning team Tipperary! I was so pleased and felt really privileged to go into those rooms, including the warm-up and physio rooms.

Then we got to see Croke Parks most exclusive room, the Players Lounge! It was so nice, leather sofas lush surroundings, all sourced in Ireland! But the best part of the lounge was the Waterford Crystal chandelier, made to look like hanging footballs and sliotars. The lights in it change colour and all hang gracefully from the high ceilings.

Then we went on a quick tour of the stands, seeing the president's chair and private box's, going to the top and seeing the views of Dublin around.

We concluded with going around the museum finding out interesting facts and testing our reflex's on the games.

It was a great day and for the whole thing I couldn't help myself from smiling and thinking what a wonderful place this is. It has an amazing history and character. It really shows how much we love our games and how valuable they are to our Irish culture. People, even though their county might not be playing, go to see these matches because not only are they  proud of the talent but also to see a cracking good game! One of the best parts of the G.A.A. is the fact that they are amateur games. No player is payed, they do this as a hobby and I think that is what has kept these great games pure and compeitive. Although it was my first time there I would love to go again and see a game. Croke Park to me is a national treasure.

Take a trip to the museum if your in Dublin.

Thanks,
Roisin.P.