School outings to the museum will never be the same again. For students, a chance to play some sport in the classroom. For teachers, a piece of cake that you can eat too. For anybody with an interest in Irish sport, the opportunity to learn about the games that have become a national identity around the world.
Since its origins back in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association has grown into the largest sporting and cultural organisation in the country - by a long shot. A visit to Croke Park on any summer Sunday will prove that but now the atmosphere is available any day of the week at the impressive GAA Museum situated under the New Stand at the organisation's Dublin headquarters.
The GAA, with the help of various sponsors, has spared no expense in putting this museum together. You wonder, in fact, how they could have made it any better.
The £3.5 million facility, spread over two floors, was officially opened at the end of August. The real work, however, began years ago with the collection of priceless artifacts and recounting of tales from bygone days. Now, for the first time, the greatest collections of Irish sporting history are under the one roof.
"The great thing about the place is both the educational and recreational appeal," says the museum administrator, Donnchadh O Dulaing. "The games are put in the context of the cultural and social revival in Ireland and Europe during the past two centuries, which has so much to do with our national identity. But the sport itself is equally important so the opportunity to have a bit of fun was also a priority."
Many of the historic exhibits and various collections of memorabilia could be found in any neo-traditional pub around the country, but this takes you way beyond that. For the most amateur of sports, this is a truly professional job. Touchscreen technology and databanks give instant access to the information and great moments of your choice.
Audio-visual presentations range from classic games on mini-cinema screens to moving documentaries on the GAA's role in the civil war. They are well worth taking the time to view.
The blockbuster here is the captivating A Sunday in September which is on constant show in the main theatre. This film cost £50,000 to produce, though worth every penny. Thrilling, nerve-biting, shocking and at times unbelievable, there's not a special effect in sight. Multi-plex cinemas take note.
From a student point of view (and anyone else bold enough to admit it), the main attractions are the interactive football and hurling facilities. A small section of artificial pitch has been created to challenge your individual skills with the stick and boot, assessing your target accuracy electronically.
A mechanically-controlled football can also be raised to test your jumping height. The less energetic can play with the balance, reaction and hand/eye co-ordination machines to discover their true potential.
"We have school groups coming from all over," adds O Dulaing. "It's not just the GAA colleges or those baptised in the game, but those completely new to the sport also. We average about two groups a day and are currently putting together educational packs for both primary and second-level schools so that teachers can be more prepared for what they will encounter."
You come away thinking that you could hold a decent conversation anywhere in the country about the great matches, players or moments that the sports have seen down the years.
The really sentimental will enjoy the ballads or tales of travel that channel out from listening booths. True historians can admire again the heroes and great moments, most effectively done in recreating the 1947 final from New York.
In the resource centre, the statistic buffs can call up highlights of great finals, complete with teams, scorers and attendance. This facility will soon contain every televised game still on film as well as an larger archive library for more specific learning.
"In the short time that the museum has been open the reaction has been phenomenal," says O Dulaing. "The comment book says it all - all the superlatives are there and not a bad view yet. Many of them talk about coming back, and to be honest, it would take a few visits to totally appreciate what the museum has to offer."
Opening Hours:
May-September - 10am - 5pm October-April (Tuesday to Sunday) - 10am - 5pm. Adults: £3 Students: £2 Phone: (01) 855 8176
