Distinguished sports historian launches County Longford GAA Archive

The County Longford GAA Archive was launched in Longford Library on Monday, December 19. 

Launched by distinguished sports historian Dr Tom Hunt, this newly created archive will eventually make various GAA records accessible to the community. Records include photographs, matchday programmes and minutes of meetings. 

The initiative celebrates the history of the GAA and its unparalleled importance within local communities. At the event, Dr Hunt will give a talk on the GAA and its developments in County Longford.

This initiative is a partnership between Longford Libraries, Heritage and Archives Services, part of Longford County Council, and County Longford Gaelic Athletic Association.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern welcomes the archive. “The Council are delighted to be working with the GAA in the creation of this archive. We all know how important the GAA is across the entire county and over many generations of people. We have to make sure that its history is both protected and accessible for all, now and into the future. I thank everyone involved in this fantastic project and look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the locality.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon sees great potential in the new archive. “Our Council works to enhance and celebrate our county’s rich culture and heritage, including its sporting history. This archive will be prove to be a great resource, preserving historically-significant records and enabling such records to be used by community groups, schools, local people and historians for their enjoyment, learning and the sharing of information.”

Longford County Board Chairman Albert Cooney emphasised the County Longford GAA Archive’s importance. “We recognise that officials and members of the organisation have important material, like programmes, relating to the history of the GAA in Longford. We want to make sure it’s preserved for future generations. The County Board is fully behind the Archive, and we are encouraging all clubs and units of the organisation in the county to deposit their records in it.”