Museum Archive
The GAA Museum Archive houses a vast collection of GAA Memorabilia, including programmes, publications,letters, medals, hurleys, trophies. Cataloguing of the museum's archive collection is ongoing. The archive is not accessible to the public, however researchers are facilitated, but this is strictly by appointment. A research request form must be completed. Please click on the link below to download a copy of the form. This form should be printed, completed and returned to the museum by either post or fax.
Research Request Form
Donations
The GAA Museum accepts donations. If you would like to make a donation to the museum, please read the GAA Museum Acquisition Policy. Donations that are not on display are part of the museum's archive collection.
Recent Donations
The original Bob O'Keeffe Cup
The original Bob O'Keeffe Cup was awarded annually to the winner of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship from 1950-2004. In June 2005, it was donated to the museum by the Leinster Council and was on temporary display in the museum from July - September 2005.
Archbishop Croke's Pocket Watch
Archbishop Croke's pocket watch was donated to the museum in April 2005 by the Stewart Family and is on display in the Founders Exhibit.
Hurling Ball Machine
For over 40 years Michael Cuffe made hurling balls. Upon his retirement earlier this year, Michael donated his hurling ball machine to the museum. At present the hurling ball machine is part of the museum's archive collection.
Waterford Crystal Trophy, 'Flame of Faith'
Ronnie Delany’s Olympic gold medal in the 1500 metres was Ireland’s first track and field gold since 1932, when Bob Tisdall won the 400 metres hurdles. When Ronnie won the gold, the workers of Waterford Crystal presented him with a unique trophy entitled 'Flame of Faith', depicting him on his knees in prayer after his famous victory. It was presented to Ronnie by Robert Briscoe, Lord Mayor of Dublin, in May 1957, at a function in Villanova University in the USA. In 2004 Waterford Crystal, under the direction of CEO, Mr. John Foley produced a replica of this trophy. Ronnie presented the trophy to the GAA Museum on 15th September 2004 on the occasion of the All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final between Cork and Wexford. The trophy is on display in the Track and Field Exhibition. Ronnie retired from athletics in 1962 .
Paddy Perry Collection
In July 2004 Marjorie McDonnell (daughter of Paddy Perry) and Miceál Perry (son of Paddy Perry) donated medals and trophies won by Paddy Perry to the museum. Paddy Perry, a a member of Garda Síochana and native of Roscommon won eight All-Ireland Softball singles titles in a row 1930-1937. Paddy Perry's collection is on diplay in the Handball Exhibition.
Joe Duggan Collection
Letters and correspondence belonging to Joe Duggan who played for Galway in three consecutive All-Ireland Football Finals from 1940-42 were donated to the museum by his daughter, Dolores Duggan. The Joe Duggan collection is part of the museum's archive collection.
Philip Fanning Collection
Philip Fanning was Honorary Secretary, New South Wales G.A.A. in the early 1920s. Included in this unique collection are photographs, letters and telegrams. The Philip Fanning Collection was donated by his daughter Nora Connolly. The collection is part of the museum's archives.