The fifth annual Michael Cusack Day will take place on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, commemorating the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), who was born on 20th September 1847.
The event will feature hurley-making demonstrations, live music by students from Carron National School, and the presentation of commemorative jerseys inspired by Cusack’s cottage to Clare County Council members.
The Michael Cusack Heritage Centre aims to honour Cusack’s legacy and promote Irish culture through various activities, including guided tours, team building events, and an emphasis on sustainable tourism practices.
Attendees of Michael Cusack Day will have free entry to the centre and its attractions, with a discount available during the upcoming “GAA 140” initiative, recognizing the 140th anniversary of the GAA.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Alan O’Callaghan, said “Michael Cusack’s dream of a Gaelic Athletic Association became a reality almost 140 years ago when he and a group of spirited Irishmen had the foresight to establish a national organisation that would make our traditional, indigenous sports more accessible to the masses. As we approach that historic moment in Hayes Hotel in Thurles on 1st November 1884, when the organisation was founded, it is only right and proper that the people of Clare and the wider GAA community comes together to celebrate and commemorate Cusack’s legacy.
Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Chair of the Board of Michael Cusack Heritage Centre said: “We are constantly exploring new ways to commemorate the life of a pioneering individual whose contribution to Irish culture and society is unique and continues to have an impact across the island of Ireland and abroad to this day. Earlier this year, we renamed the centre as the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre to recognise the iconic status of the birthplace of the founder of the GAA as a ‘National Asset of Intrinsic Heritage Value’. Our mission is to bring the Cusack story to the wider public so that we may encourage current and future generations to cherish their heritage and celebrate the true sense of community spirit and cultural identity that Cusack promoted.”
John O’Malley, Acting Director of Tourism Development with Clare County Council commented, “The Local Authority is delighted to be able to support the continued development and promotion of the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre as a hub for GAA-related community programmes and establish a Centre of Excellence in Wellbeing. The work that has been undertaken here in recent years is a credit to everyone involved.”
Tim Madden, Manager of the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre said “Michael Cusack’s story reflects all that is good about the community and society of his time, namely the Irish language, Gaelic Games, and promoting Irish culture and tradition through education. We are proud to promote these values at our visitor attraction.”
Visit michaelcusack.ie for more.
