GAA 125

GAA 125 refers to several events which took place during the 125th year of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 2009. The organisation was founded at Hayes' Hotel in Thurles, County Tipperary on 1 November 1884.

The Irish Film Institute showed a film series to commemorate the occasion. A special exhibition was also held.

The Late Late Show hosted a special episode dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the GAA. The episode, presented by Pat Kenny, was aired on RTÉ One on 9 January 2009 and was planned well in advance as soon as the 2008 Toy Show had ended. The Athlone Advertiser said the show was "a shocker. A genuine shocker. So much of the show lacked élan and panache that it became very difficult to stop switching the bloody thing off".

The Evening Herald put together a list of "125 New Year Resolutions " for the GAA in January 2009.

Events were launched at Croke Park, Dublin, with the opening match of the National Football League 2009 between Dublin and Tyrone on 31 January 2009. It was also only the second football match to take place under floodlights, following its predecessor in February 2008. The event included a fireworks display as well as commentary from Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, with the festivities being hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin. A soundtrack of Irish music featuring bands such as The Cranberries and Snow Patrol was put together by Larry Mullen, Jr. for the fireworks display, whilst Mundy and Sharon Shannon performed during half-time. The match ended with a victory for Tyrone by a score of 1-18 to 1-16.

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