Forging a Kingdom by Richard Mcelligott
County identity is fundamental in the GAA. By 1934 Kerry was one of the bastions of the Association. Forging A Kingdom charts the development of the GAA in Kerry and how it became the county's most popular sporting organisation. Links with cultural and revolutionary movements, the role of the county's GAA in the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and Civil War, and the effects of political violence on the Kerry GAA are outlined. Civil War atrocities at Knocknagoshel, Cahirciveen and Ballyseedy involved players from both sides of the conflict. After the Civil War the senior Kerry side emerged politically divided yet united in play, the symbol Irish society craved in its search for unity. Some of the first clubs established included Laune Rangers, Dr. Crokes, Tralee Mitchels and Kenmare; hurling featured largely in Kenmare and North Kerry; mass brawls were a regular occurrence; Ballyduff representing Kerry won the 1891 hurling All-Ireland. Names like Stack, Ashe, Brosnan, O'Sullivan, Fitzgerald and Sheehy pepper this history. Kerry remained a political hotbed of Republicanism after the Civil War and this continually manifested itself among the GAA hierarchy. Despite this, by 1934 Kerry's unique tradition within the GAA had been forged. This is an absorbing insight into the world of the GAA in Kerry from its origins in pre-independence Ireland.
'Detailed and dense - excellent' Books Ireland 'Thoughtful examination of Kerry society at the time' Kerry's Eye 'Terrific detail' The Irish Times 'One of the most authoritative and informative and deserves a wide readership.' Irish Catholic
Richard McElligott, from Stacks Mountain, Kilflynn Co. Kerry, completed his PhD on the early history of the GAA with the School of History and Archives in UCD. Currently an evening lecturer and teaching assistant in the School, he is chairman of the Sports History Ireland Society. A passionate GAA fan, Richard decided to chronicle the early history of the GAA in Kerry to compensate for being the worst underage hurler and footballer ever seen in north Kerry.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781848891777 |
| ISBN 10 | 1848891776 |
| Title | Forging a Kingdom |
| Author | Richard Mcelligott |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Gill |
| Year published | 2013-10-08 |
| Number of pages | 496 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |