O’NEILL, Phil (“Sliabh Ruadh”). Twenty Years of the G.A.A. 1910–1930. A History and Book of Reference for Gaels (First edition)

Kilkenny: The Kilkenny Journal Ltd., 1931. First edition. 8vo. pp. [iv], 361, [1] (errata). Original printed wrappers. A very good copy in the original wrappers. Covers worn and creased with minor edge loss; spine fragile with old staple rusting visible, as typical. Internally clean with occasional spotting; folding plate intact and in good order. A sound, honest example of a book rarely found in such complete state.

A scarce and evocative early history of the Gaelic Athletic Association in its formative decades. First edition of this important early survey of the G.A.A., covering the pivotal years 1910–1930—a period encompassing political upheaval, cultural revival, and the consolidation of Gaelic games as a central pillar of Irish identity.

Compiled by Phil O’Neill (“Sliabh Ruadh”), the work draws extensively on contemporary reportage, particularly from the Kilkenny Journal, and provides a year-by-year chronicle of matches, administrative developments, and the broader cultural significance of the Association. The text notably situates the G.A.A. within the context of the revolutionary period, including the impact of 1916 and its aftermath on sporting life.

Illustrated with photographic plates, including a large folding group photograph of a Munster Final gathering (Thurles, 1923), and enriched by detailed appendices recording All-Ireland finals, county colours, and statistical changes to the games.

Early G.A.A. histories are uncommon, particularly those published before the Association’s later institutional retrospectives. This volume is especially desirable for:

The Gaelic Athletic Association played a central role in the Gaelic Revival, promoting indigenous sports such as hurling and Gaelic football as expressions of national identity.
The period 1910–1930 coincides with major events including the Easter Rising and subsequent War of Independence, both of which impacted G.A.A. organisation and participation.
Early printed G.A.A. histories, particularly provincial or independently compiled works such as this, were produced in relatively small numbers and were often heavily used, contributing to their present scarcity.

[WR GAA]