Members of Achill GAA Club

Members of Achill GAA Club, Thomas, Packie and Lorna discuss the role of the GAA in their lives and on Achill Island over the years. Thomas recalls football in the schools on the island and talks about the different competitions held, mainly the Scanlon Cup and the Corn Acla. They describe the state of the GAA in Achill and recall the development of the Association over the years. They discuss the introduction of Gaelic football onto the island in 1904 and how it faced competition from soccer. They talk about the link the island has with Scotland and how this led to the prominence of soccer on the island. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the GAA in Achill, highlighting the high travel costs of going to matches on the mainland. They talk about the impact on emigration on the island over the years and how it is again returning in modern times. Packie describes his time abroad, playing football in London and Saudi Arabia. Lorna talks about her role as secretary and the work involved. They discuss the club’s participation in the Scór competition and the importance of this competition to Achill. Towards the end of the interview they describe the importance of the GAA to Achill and how the Association has a central place in the community on the island.