American Invasion Tour
The American Invasion Tour was an 1888 tour of the United States of America by Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes, mostly hurlers.[1]
The tour had two objectives: to raise funds for a modern version of the ancient Tailteann Games[2] and to encourage the development of Irish sports for Americans of Irish descent.[3] The first objective failed, with no funds being raised and a loan required to bring the touring party home.[4][2] Ultimately, more than half of the hurlers participating "absconded" to New York and did not return to Ireland.[1][5]
References
- ^ a b Parsons, Michael (4 April 2016). "Diary reveals how hurlers absconded in New York". The Irish Times. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ a b "Timeline 1884-1945". Gaelic Athletic Association. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
The GAA had to borrow £450 from Michael Davitt to bring the party home and up to 17 members remained in America [meaning] the tour was a financial failure
- ^ Encyclopedia of Ethnicity and Sports in the United States. Greenwood Publishing Group. 2000. p. 176. ISBN 9780313299117. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
American Invasion Tour.
- ^ "Worksheet - A History of Ireland in 100 Objects - GAA Medal 1887" (PDF). 100objects.ie. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
the aim of the [invaders] tour was to raise £5,000 for the staging of the Tailteann Games in 1889. In this aspect the tour must be considered a financial failure
- ^ "When an American invasion cost GAA money and men". Irish Examiner. 21 April 2016.