The GAA is delighted to announce the launch of a calendar of events which will take place during 2009 to celebrate the establishment of the Association in Thurles, Co. Tipperary on 1st of November 1884.

It is a celebration of 125 years of the GAA and an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of the Association and the games. The GAA is at the very heart of the community and events will be held right across the country throughout the year. 2009 provides an opportunity to reflect on what the GAA is all about – the promotion of Gaelic games, Irish culture and a sense of place and identity in each community.

Key events will include:

GAA 125 Spectacle 31st January
The launch of the 125th anniversary celebrations will be held at Croke Park with the start of the Allianz GAA Football National League. The clash of Dublin and Tyrone under lights promises to be an exciting match and the event will include music, entertainment and a lighting and fireworks extravaganza for all the family.

GAA Late Late Show Special January
A special show dedicated to the GAA and its place in Ireland over the last 125 years. The show will feature a broad spectrum of guests from within and outside the Association.

St Patricks Festival Parade 17th March
As part of St Patricks Festival, the GAA will be the lead pageant in the festival parade in Dublin. The GAA pageant will represent aspects of the GAA such as volunteerism, sport and community. The pageant will later be showcased at Croke Park during the AIB GAA Club finals.

April 24th is the GAA 125 Schools Day
This is a chance for schools to participate in a fun day where students will be invited to wear GAA colours and take part in a range of GAA activities.

Lá na gClub 10th May
As the club is at the heart of the GAA, this is an extremely important day in the calendar of events. Over 2,000 GAA clubs around the country are invited to celebrate the Anniversary with games and commemorative events in their local communities.

125th Year Anniversary Book Launch November
As part of the GAA Oral History Project a book will be published to include stories which have been collected over the course of the year. This will chart the history of the GAA through the eyes of its members.

Cultural Events
A number of events will take place to celebrate the culture of the GAA. These will include Scór events in Athlone and Killarney, a GAA Museum Calendar of Events throughout the year and commemorative Central Council and Coiste Bainistí meetings in Thurles and Cusack Cottage in Co. Clare.

Full Calendar of Events
http://www.gaa.ie