Taoiseach Launches €1.5 Million Refurbished GAA Museum at Croke Park

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, today officially unveiled the newly-refurbished GAA Museum at Croke Park. The final phase of renovation, which cost €1.5 million, now includes the official GAA Hall of Fame, a modern-day heroes and legends gallery, eight exciting interactive skill zones, dedicated sound booths showcasing clips from the Association’s oral history archive and boasts a vast collection of objects that illustrate the development of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day.

The state-of-the-art visitor experience, which offers a unique insight into Irish social and political history of the past 150 years, has been consistently rated in the top five out of 221 Dublin visitor attractions by the TripAdvisor website over the past two years. Visitor numbers have increased from 67,000 in 2008 to an expected 108,000 in 2013, with 35% coming from overseas markets such as France, Britain, Spain and the USA.

Liam O’Neill, GAA President said:

We are delighted that An Taoiseach is here today to officially unveil the refurbished museum. For many, a visit to the GAA Museum is a living realisation of their life’s passion. For others, it is a reminder of the GAA’s momentous role in Ireland’s sport, culture, politics and society.

The Taoiseach said:

It is truly a unique and fascinating window into Ireland’s past and present. Every county in Ireland is represented here and the heritage and ethos of the GAA is evident throughout all the exhibitions and memorabilia. It is a place for visitors to enjoy and also to learn about the important role that the GAA has played and continues to play in communities throughout Ireland

The newly-refurbished museum, which is also open on match days, offers visitors an interactive experience like never before. Refurbished galleries focusing on modern heroes of the games feature Four-in-a-Row Teams, ‘Replays and Rivalries’, Camogie, Ladies Football, Handball and International Rules. Other new features include a touch screen poster exhibit of the hurling and football All-Stars, new oral history sound booths and a new interactive games zone where visitors can see how fast they can react, test their passing skills and practice a fingertip save or the art of the high catch.

For more information about the GAA Museum visit www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum