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1893

Gaelic League established

The Gaelic League was established by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill to revive the Gaelic language across Ireland and preserve traditional music and customs. The league was part of a wider Gaelic revival that occurred in Ireland throughout the late 19th century. This cultural revival, which sought to preserve Ireland’s Gaelic heritage, included the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 1884.

The Gaelic League leaders hoped to create a new sense of pride and self-respect in Irishmen by highlighting an ancient Irish lineage with a rich cultural history. The league was a non-sectarian and non-political organisation and by 1905 it had over 500 branches throughout the country.

Gaelic Revival
Gaelic League bannerette from the Craobh Naomh Joseph’s branch of the league at Hannahstown.
© NMNI, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, BELUM.Y8540