Irish Film Institute Launches Free GAA Collection Online

The Irish Film Institute (IFI) has unveiled its new GAA Collection, now available for free viewing on the IFI Player. This limited-time offering includes historic footage of All-Ireland football finals from 1947 to 1959, and hurling finals from 1948 to 1968, featuring commentary by the renowned Micheál O’Hehir.

The collection showcases over 25 reels of archival content that highlight the rich heritage of Gaelic games. IFI Director Ross Keane expressed pride in offering this access, stating, “The films in this collection depict a remarkable ambition to capture two of the fastest field sports on 16mm film.” He emphasized that the footage allows audiences to experience some of the earliest recordings of Gaelic football and hurling.

Historical Significance of the Collection

From the 1940s to the 1970s, the National Film Institute, now the IFI, produced numerous educational and entertainment films. Among these, a series documenting GAA football and hurling All-Ireland finals from 1948 to 1979 stands out. These matches were filmed by legendary cameramen, including Bob Monks, Brendan Stafford, Vincent Corcoran, and George Fleischman. The footage not only captures thrilling sports action but also provides insight into the social history of Ireland during that era.

Notable appearances in the films include Catholic archbishops, who played significant roles in the promotion of the games. The collection features pre-match scenes of fans traveling to Croke Park, as well as glimpses of O’Connell Street in the 1940s. Additionally, footage from 1959 marks a pivotal moment as it was the first time All-Ireland matches were filmed in color, preceding RTÉ’s transition to color broadcasting in 1969.

A Spotlight on the 1947 All-Ireland Football Final

Among the highlights is the 1947 GAA All-Ireland Football Final, which took place in New York. The match was held at the Polo Grounds, a historic venue for the New York Giants baseball team. It served as a commemoration of the centenary of the Great Famine and aimed to revitalize Gaelic games in the United States.

In a gripping contest, Kerry initially dominated, establishing an eight-point lead. However, a strategic shift saw Cavan’s P.J. Duke move from midfield to wing half-back, turning the tide in Cavan’s favor. Leading scorers for Kerry included Batt Garvey and Tom Gega O’Connor, while Cavan’s Peter Donohue earned acclaim as the “Babe Ruth of Gaelic football,” scoring eight points. Other Cavan heroes included legendary captain John Joe O’Reilly, Mick Higgins, and Tony Tighe.

Viewers can access highlights of this historic match and more on the IFI Player, which offers a vast array of Irish heritage content. The platform provides free, instant access to documentaries, animations, advertisements, and amateur footage, reflecting the culture of the last century.

The IFI Player is available as an app on various platforms, including iPhone, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. This initiative not only enhances accessibility to Ireland’s rich sporting history but also invites audiences worldwide to engage with the legacy of Gaelic games.