A Revolutionary Era: The GAA and The Civil War

This short excerpt from Ré Réabhlóide: CLG agus Cogadh na gCarad sees GAA presenter Gráinne McElwain explore how the Association helped bridge the deep divisions left by the Irish Civil War, 100 years on. 

The Civil War tore Ireland apart, but unlike other national organisations, the GAA refused to split. Rooted in the revolutionary movement of 1914–1921, the GAA was shaped by many of the same figures who fought for independence, so the conflict hit the Association hard.

Travelling across Ireland, Gráinne uncovers how the GAA became a force for reconciliation, while also revealing rivalries that still linger between clubs north and south. 

Presented by Gráinne McElwain

• New Irish language documentary explores the GAA and Civil War