Paul Rouse: Protestants and the GAA in rural Ireland 

The lived reality of life in the GAA mean that overt Catholicism could be witnessed at every level of the Association

The Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, and Patron of the GAA, Dr Dermot Clifford stands on the Hill before he blessed it at the official opening of the redeveloped Hill 16 and Nally Stand in 2005. Picture: Ray McManus

What has been the relationship between Protestants and the GAA in the Republic of Ireland?

After all, for all the talk of the decline of the importance of religion in Ireland, it is the case that (at least until Covid struck) some teams go to mass together on the morning of matches, that players talk of going to mass and even that the rosary is said in the dressing room before games.