ILHS Speaker Series – GAA in San Francisco

Gaelic Games and the Irish-American Experience in San Francisco

The ILHS presents “Gaelic Games and the Irish-American Experience in San Francisco” Sunday September 24th at 5pm The ILHS will host a lecture and panel discussion on the storied history and thriving Irish sport leagues of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), featuring San Francisco GAA Chairman Bertie Penny and scholar and league official Liam Reidy, with comments by the incoming Irish Consul General Robert O’Driscoll. The title of the program will be “Gaelic Games and the Irish-American Experience in San Francisco”.

The lecture will highlight the history and growth of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland and the local Irish-American experience by the emigrants who have played Gaelic games in the San Francisco area since the Gold Rush. The sporting life and history of Irish emigrants who played Gaelic games locally down through the years is an aspect of local Irish history that has rarely garnered any serious study. For the most part is has been neglected when you compare it to essays on the political, social, economic, religious history of the Irish in the city. The lecture will focus on the organization of the GAA in Ireland and highlights of the evolution of the Gaelic games scene locally since the formation of the first hurling club in 1853, up to the present day.

GAA Exhibition – An exhibition of both new and old memorabilia, showcasing the large photographic collection in the local GAA archives will also take place on the night. In addition, medals and cups from various eras will also be on display, donated by many local Gaels.

This event is a rare and special opportunity to pay tribute to and honor the makers of local history in the GAA and their great contributions to the local community over many generations. All community members are welcomed and encouraged to attend this celebration of the GAA and local Irish sport.

Sunday September 24 @ 5pm at the United Irish Cultural Center, 45th Avenue and Sloat Blvd., San Francisco. The event is free for members and $5 for non-members. www.ilhssf.org