A bronze sculpture celebrating the birthplace of the GAA has been unveiled at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles.
It’s the first statue to feature a female GAA player and was commissioned by Tipperary County Council.
The three-metre artwork, entitled Ár gCluichí Féin (Our Own Games), depicts a male hurler and female footballer in motion.
The commission, which took two years to complete, was officially unveiled by the Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Fiona Bonfield, in the presence of the GAA President Jarlath Burns, and representatives of Tipperary GAA.
The GAA was founded in Hayes Hotel in Thurles in 1884 to revive Ireland’s traditional games. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association was also established in the town in 1974.
“The male and female players, they’re very much in the middle of action because there’s lots of nice GAA sculptures out there, but a lot of them are a bit… stiff,” said Aidan Harte
Sculptor Aidan Harte said the artwork captures a defining moment in sport, where “split-second decisions” can shape the outcome of a game and that it embodies ‘possession’, both possession of the ball and being possessed by the spirit of the game
Mr Harte said, “it’s not just an historic piece, it’s meant to represent the ongoing tradition and where the GAA is today, so the players, they’re not like historic players.
“They’re in modern kits… female participation is very much part of the modern GAA. So, that was why they were keen on that.”
Cllr Bonfield said Gaelic Games are a source of great local and national pride and that Thurles is thrilled to see this commemorative project take its place at FBD Semple Stadium.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country and beyond, to experience the home of GAA,” she said.