MAC LUA, Brendan. The Steadfast Rule. A History of the G.A.A. Ban.

Dublin: Press Cuchulainn Ltd., 1967. Printed by Cityview Press Ltd., Dublin. Octavo. pp. 129. Original printed wrappers in grey, black, and orange, with quotation from the House of Commons (28 April 1915) on upper cover. Minor edgewear and light creasing to spine; a triangular tear affecting the front endpaper only, not touching text. Overall a very good, clean copy.

First edition of this important study of the controversial “Rule 27” — the G.A.A. ban which forbade members from participating in, or even attending, “foreign” games such as soccer, rugby, or cricket. Brendan Mac Lua (1935–2009), later noted journalist and commentator, here gives a detailed history of the Ban’s origins, enforcement, and its eventual softening under mid-century pressures. Written when the rule was still in force, The Steadfast Rule examines its ideological roots in nationalism and cultural revivalism, quoting debates from the House of Commons and the Gaelic press.

Chapters include: The Birth of the Ban; The Barometer of Nationalism; The Ban and the Treaty; A Poignant Moment; The Salient Sixties, and The Founders and the Ban. Illustrated with tables and contemporary references. A key document in understanding the intersection of sport and national identity in twentieth-century Ireland.

Scarce in commerce — few copies recorded, particularly in this original wrapper issue.

References: Not in OCLC for Press Cuchulainn imprint; copies located at NLI and University College Dublin.

A foundational and contemporary analysis of the G.A.A. Ban — a milestone in the cultural history of Irish sport.

[WR GAA]