Dubs featured in revamped GAA Museum

PAST and present Dublin GAA stars, including the Brogan family and Tommy Carr, are immortalised in the newly-refurbished GAA Museum at Croke Park.

The revamped tourist attraction has Bernard Brogan’s winning all-Ireland jersey from 2011, a Man of the Match award won by brother Alan in 2002 and a tracksuit top worn by Bernard Brogan Senior in the 1970s.

There’s also a jersey worn by Tommy Carr in the 1994 Leinster final against Meath and a medal collection from Kathleen Mills, who has won more awards than any other Gaelic games player.

The final phase of museum’s renovation cost e1.5 million and it now includes the official GAA Hall of Fame, a modern-day heroes and legends gallery, eight interactive skill zones and dedicated sound booths showcasing clips from the association’s oral history archive.

The museum’s vast collection of memorabilia illustrates the development of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day and the state-of-the-art visitor experience provides a unique insight into Irish social and political history over the past 150 years.

The attraction has been consistently rated in the top five out of 221 Dublin visitor attractions by TripAdvisor website over the past two years.

Visitor numbers have increased from 67,000 in 2008 to an expected 108,000 this year, with 35 per cent coming from overseas markets such as France, Britain, Spain and the USA.

The revamped museum was official opened earlier this month by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who was welcomed to the stadium by President of the GAA, Liam O’Neill.

“We are delighted that An Taoiseach is here to officially unveil the refurbished museum,

? said Mr O’Neill.

“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.

“For others still, it must act as an introduction to the most successful and effective amateur sporting organisation in the world, with a focus on participation and commitment that transcends sport.

“This cascades through generations to reinforce Irish identity and pride at parish, club, county, provincial, national and international level.

“The newly-refurbished museum, with all its interactive zones and historic memorabilia, helps bring this alive in a fun and engaging way for both Irish people and tourists alike.

?

Speaking at the unveiling, Taoiseach Kenny said the GAA had a special place in the lives and hearts of Irish people.

“Local GAA clubs, energised by dedicated volunteers, are its backbone,

? he added.

“The GAA Museum at Croke Park provides a marvellous insight into the unique place the Association has in our country, in every county and in every parish.

“The museum clearly illustrates how deeply ingrained the GAA is in our social fabric as well as performing a vital role in curating historical material.

“It has proven to be extremely popular with visitors of all ages from home and abroad and its latest enhancement is a great addition to our tourism offering in the year of the Gathering .

“I want to thank and pay tribute to the GAA who are contributing significantly to the overall Gathering initiative this year and these gatherings may well develop into annual traditions or create lasting connections with other parts of the world.

?

The newly-refurbished museum promises visitors an interactive experience like never before. Refurbished galleries focusing on modern heroes of the games cover 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, oral history sound booths and an 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.

Visitors also have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends on the Croke Park Stadium Tour. The behind-the-scenes experience gives access to the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel and pitch-side area before visitors take a seat in the VIP section and soak up the views from the media centre on the top tier of the stadium.

Even more impressive views of Croke Park and the Dublin skyline can be enjoyed on the Etihad Skyline Tour. Launched in June 2012, this unique experience offers breathtaking views of Dublin from the roof of Croke Park with audio tours available in six languages.

?¢ Admission to the Museum and Stadium Tour is priced at

?¬12 for adults and

?¬8 for children. Family tickets cost from

?¬32.