Dublin vs. Kerry at Croke Park

We all went to our first GAA (Gaelic Athletic Assoc) football game at Croke Park. I was unsure about bringing L since the game was at 7pm. I was worried about how cold it was and you just never know if its going to be raining. All week L was asking me when we were going to the "Dubs game." She honestly was so excited and could not wait to wear her new jersey. How could I leave her at home? The worst case we could just leave at halftime. Right?

Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland. I think the sport is a good mix of rugby and soccer. There are 15 players on the pitch. The ball looks like a volleyball and is about the same size. The main objective is to score points by passing the ball through the other team's goal (3 points) or a set of two upright posts (1 point). Players move up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing, and soloing (dropping the ball and then toe-kicking the ball upward into your hands). It looks like they have to do something with the ball every 4-5 steps, bouncing, kicking, soloing, etc. 

Gaelic football dates to the early 1800's but was not organized with clubs until 1887. Croke Park is the main stadium for the GAA and the headquarters for the GAA. It is the 4th largest stadium in Europe. In the 1880's the Croke Park area was used as a sports ground. In 1913 The GAA purchased the grounds and renamed it Croke Park in honor of Archbishop Thomas Croke, one of the GAA's first patrons. 

The sports ground before it was Croke Park. I love how the men are playing with hats on! 

Hurling game at Croke Park

The stadium has been through many renovations, the most recent 15 years ago. It now holds 90,000 people. We had great seats for the game and it was perfect for L. We were close enough that L could even follow the game. 

Croke Park view from the canal

We took the bus down to the canal which is close to the city centre. Then we walked the rest of the way to Croke Park. Right when we got off the bus there were stands selling flags, scarfs, balloons, etc. We got three scarfs so we could look a little European at a sporting event, and it kept the children warmer! Thats how I rationalized spending 21 euros on scarfs! 

The children are standing in front of the Michael Cusack statue. He was the founder of the GAA and the first secretary. This is also the entrance to the GAA museum which was closed. We might have to come back one day and see the museum. 

Crests of all the GAA clubs. The GAA celebrated 125 years in 2009.

Everytime the Dubs scored everyone raised their flags

The children had a great time at the game. They loved watching it and cheering for Dublin. We did have a few rain downpours…but its Ireland so we knew it would not last long. L was into the game much more then I could have imagined. She was yelling and screaming, "Go Dubs! Yeahhhh…GO!"…"Ughh you lost the ball Dublin!." She was a riot! We left with a couple minutes left in the game so we could get a head start to the bus stop before it would get crowded. 

We had a great night at our first GAA game. The children were begging me to buy tickets for the next home game on March 1st.

Here are two videos I took at the game…sorry they are a little out of focus at times.