submitted the programme for Aonach Tailteann, as follows. It was taken as read.
An Eight-day Programme for Dublin.
August 6th to 13th inclusive.
The revival of the Aonach Tailteann, or ancient games of Tara, has been mooted frequently in recent years, but no concrete step in this direction materialised until the late Cabinet, under President de Valera, conceived the idea of an Irish Race Olympic in conjunction with the Irish Race Convention. In consequence of the shortness of time and the heavy details involved, the Gaelic Athletic Association could not accede to the Paris proposal, and it was then definitely decided early in November, with the concurrence of the Cabinet, to bring off this big Athletic Carnival in Dublin on or about Horse Show Week of the present year. The date has therefore been fixed for the second week in August, running in many different venues simultaneously from the 6th to the 13th inclusive.
The original conception of Aonach Tailteann has undergone many changes. At first it was thought that items strictly common to the Greek Olympiad, embracing the Gaelic race at home and abroad, should alone be attempted. Subsequently, modifications to suit special Irish phases were introduced; but, finally, the following programme, which goes far beyond anything attempted at the Greek Olympiads, was agreed to:
INTERNATIONAL SECTION.
ATHLETICS.
100 Metres Flat.
200 Metres Flat.
400 Metres Flat.
800 Metres Flat.
1,500 Metres Flat.
4 Mile Run.
26 Mile Marathon.
100 Metres Hurdle.
400 Metres Hurdle.
3,200 Metre Steeplechase.
Standing Broad Jump.
Standing High Jump.
Running Broad Jump.
Running High Jump.
Hop, Step and Jump.
Three Jumps.
Pole Jump.
Throwing the Hammcr.
56 lb. without fellow.
56 lb. over bar.
Discus, Free Style.
Javelin, Free Style.
1,600 Metres Relay Race.
Cycling.
One Lap, 600 Metres.
1,000 Metres.
5,000 Metres.
20 Kilometres.
100 Kilometres.
Boxing, Football, Hurling, Rounders, Handball. Rising and Striking the Hurling Ball. Long Distance Place Football Kick. Swimming.
For Ladies.
Camogie and Rounders.
NATIONAL SECTION.
The following events will be confined to Irish men and women resident in Ireland:
Fencing.
Gymnastics.
Tug-of-war.
Rowing.
Motor Boats.
Piper Band Competition.
Brass and Reed Competition.
Inter-College Athletics.
3,500 Metres Walk.
Team Revolver and Pistol Shooting.
Rifle Range, Revolver and Clay-bird Shooting.
Yacht Racing.
Motor Cycle Racing.
Step Dancing.
4 Hand Reel.
8 Hand Reel.
16 Hand Reel.
Lofting the Bowl.
Inter-School Athletics for Boys.
For Ladies.
Swimming.
It will be seen at once that the foregoing is at least twice as comprehensive as anything hitherto attempted in foreign countries. Such items as rowing, motor boats and motor cycle racing, yacht racing, step dancing and band competitions, are each a part of the social life of the nation, and their introduction will help to vary the attractions of the Carnival and give national colour as well as stimulus to these widely divergent forms of public amusement. Needless to say, the advancement of the essentially Irish past-times of football, hurling, rounders (the parent of baseball), handball and camogie is the primary object of this Aonach; but it has secondary, yet very important objects also. We see in our games, through their triennial cycle, the surest means of permanently cementing the scattered units of the Gael, as well as the assertion through this medium—the Greek Olympics— of our national athletic powers; and, finally, it is intended that Ireland should be drawn closer to Europe through occasional internationals in the capitals of the Continent. Nor do I wish to omit a reference to the national value of fencing and gymnastic development, or rifle or revolver competitions. By the inclusion of band competitions we hope to help the cultured life of the country, and through other items the mechanical and industrial phases.
It is anticipated that, to a greater or less extent, the States, Canada, Newfoundland, Argentine, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Wales will show up in the International Athletic event, and I have now appointed Mr. Dobbyn of Belfast, Chairman of the Ulster Council of the G.A.A., to proceed to America with a view to organisation. This will involve a heavy expenditure but there is no alternative. Within the next few days an organiser will also be sent to Great Britain, whilst the remoter countries will have to see to themselves. I have to say here that I have had the utmost difficulty in securing suitable men for the home work as well as for the mission abroad, and I should welcome the co-operation of members of An Dáil on the General Committee of the Aonach whose work is of an exceedingly heavy and responsible nature.
As a consequence of the present political difference it is, I suppose, only natural that suspicions should permeate many non-political activities. I should like it to be understood, however, that the G.A.A. does not meddle in sectional politics. It has always been sufficiently sensible to mind its own business, and An Dáil can rest assured that this will also be my guiding principle in conduct of Aonach Tailteann.
Overleaf will be found an application for extra financial assistance to meet the requirements of office work and organisation, and though this amount was included in my estimates submitted in November, this is the first opportunity I have got of seeking the approval of An Dáil.
Mise,
Séamus Breathnach,
Director.
28th February, 1922.
AONACH TAILTEANN ESTIMATES.
|
Voted by the Cabinet, November 1st |
£2,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Expended to date (including £300 set aside for American Organisation) |
£500 |
0 |
0 |
|
Unexpended Balance |
£1,500 |
0 |
0 |
Estimated expenditure to cover the period up to August:
|
Premises |
£200 |
0 |
0 |
|
Office Fittings |
£200 |
0 |
0 |
|
Stationary Fittings |
£750 |
0 |
0 |
|
Advertising |
£500 |
0 |
0 |
|
Staff |
£1,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Organising England, Scotland and Wales |
£100 |
0 |
0 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenditure |
£750 |
0 |
0 |
|
£3,500 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Already Expended |
£500 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total Requirements |
£4,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Voted in November |
£2,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Balance now required |
£2,000 |
0 |
0 |
Séamus Breathnach.
28th February, 1922.
