In 1884…

In 1884, an important moment in Irish sporting history took place inside Hayes’ Hotel — a meeting that would lead to the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

A small group of men, led by Micheal Cusack, gathered in the hotel’s billiards room with a shared vision: to preserve and promote Ireland’s native games. At the time, traditional sports such as hurling and Gaelic football were in decline, and there was a growing desire to organise, protect, and celebrate them as part of Irish culture and identity.

It was in that very room — still part of the hotel today — that the foundations of the GAA were laid. What began as a discussion among a handful of enthusiasts soon grew into a movement that would shape communities across Ireland and far beyond. Clubs formed, competitions developed, and generations of players and supporters became part of something much larger than sport alone.

The story of the GAA’s founding is not just part of national history — it’s part of the living story of Hayes Hotel itself, a place where tradition, community, and history continue to meet.