The Tailteann Games revival

July 31, 2022

The Tailteann Games revival

"The Tailteann Games would probably have lain forgotten in the annals of history were it not for the ‘Gaelic Revival’ of the late nineteenth century. During this time, Irish nationalists dug deep into the past to remind the country of its rich history. They wanted Irish people to feel proud of their culture and language; restaging the Tailteann Games was seen as a means to that end. It may have seemed like a distant dream in the 1890s, but just one month after the British left Dublin Castle in 1922, the new Irish government decided to revive the Tailteann Games. This grand gesture would announce the birth of the Irish nation to the world and showcase the best of Irish culture and sport. The date was set for August 1922.

Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, J. J. Walsh, took the job of organising the event. Walsh, who had been jailed during the War of Independence, was instrumental to the success of Aonach Tailteann, as it was called. The new government allocated £10,000 for the games. Walsh gave this money to the G.A.A. to renovate Croke Park and in return, they made the stadium available for the duration of the games. Walsh also had big plans to involve Irish emigrants. Irish communities across the world held trials to choose contestants who would travel to the games.

Enthusiasm was high and plans were in progress when Civil War broke out. Aonach Tailteann was postponed. When the war ended a year later, the country was in ruins and some in government felt the money would be best spent elsewhere. Walsh, arguing that the games were more important than ever, got his way and the date was fixed for August 1924.

Anti-Treaty supporters, who had opposed the government during the Civil War, called for a boycott but their pleas fell on deaf ears. The event was a roaring success, larger than even the Olympics, held in Paris that same year. Thirty thousand people watched the opening ceremony at Croke Park as Irish wolfhounds and actors in Celtic dress paraded the arena. That night, a fireworks display lit up the skies over Dublin. An ambitious programme of events had been arranged, with six and a half thousand competitors and a thousand medals. Teams of athletes – who were either Irish or of Irish heritage – came from England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Canada and America.

Events were staged all over Dublin. Gaelic games were played at Croke Park, swimming took place at the Phoenix Park, rowing at Islandbridge, boxing at Portobello, billiards at the Catholic Club on O’Connell Street, chess at Trinity College and yachting at Dun Laoghaire. In fact, the range of events was staggering, with tug of war, tennis, cycling, archery, horseracing, shooting and golf all getting their moment to shine. There was even a marathon from Navan to Croke Park. And participants weren’t limited to sporting events – contests also took place for piped bands, poetry, Irish dancing, storytelling, singing and art.

To ensure the games were well attended, Walsh had invited a host of athletes to stop off in Ireland on their way home from the Paris Olympics. The most famous of these was Harold Osborn, an American athlete who won two golds in Paris. His appearance at the Tailteann Games drew huge crowds and lots of press interest.

Motorbike racing was one of the great successes of the Games, drawing forty thousand spectators to the Phoenix Park. Many more gathered to witness a mock battle staged by the newly formed Free State Air Corps. One hundred thousand people watched as ground troops defended a wooden castle while in the air, pilots dropped fake bombs that exploded into plumes of smoke. The Irish Times described the Games as “an enormous success, full of brilliant performances which have given a tremendous impetus to Ireland and to Irish sport” and hailed J. J. Walsh as “an optimist among pessimists.”

It was expected that this would be the first of many, and that Aonach Tailteann would be held every four years. The 1928 games were similarly successful. Amsterdam hosted the 1928 Olympics so once again, athletes were invited to visit Ireland. Pat O’Callaghan, a medical student from Cork who became a national hero when he won Olympic gold for his hammer throw, was welcomed enthusiastically. To the crowd’s delight, he threw even further at the Tailteann Games than he had in Amsterdam.

The most famous visitor to the 1928 Games wasn’t a competitor, though a sportsman, nonetheless. World heavy weight boxing champion Gene Tunney, whose parents hailed from Mayo, received a great welcome when crowds turned out for his arrival at Dun Laoghaire. Tunney was only recently retired, having won his last fight just a month previously.

Waterpolo was a highlight of the 1928 Games, thanks to Ireland beating England. And once again, teams of Irish athletes came from all over the world – in fact, the number of competitors was almost as high as it had been in 1924. More female athletes took part in the Games than in the Olympics that year. All in all, the second Aonach Tailteann was a huge success.

Things had changed dramatically by the time the Games were due to be staged in 1932. Fianna Fáil won the election that year, ushering in a complete changing of the guard when they formed a new government. With memories of the Civil War still fresh, how likely was the new government to endorse an event that had been the brainchild of their political enemies?

The Games of 1932 were plagued by a series of unlucky events. Firstly, J. J. Walsh stepped down as director of the Tailteann Committee. Disillusioned with politics, Walsh had resigned from government in 1927. Now, he decided it was time to focus his efforts elsewhere. His experience was sorely missed.

The second problem was timing. The Eucharistic Congress, which took place just days before the Games kicked off, drew one million people to mass at the Phoenix Park. In contrast, the thirty thousand people who turned up to the opening of the Games seemed like a poor show. Finally, the 1932 Olympics took place in Los Angeles, depriving the Tailteann Committee of another chance to attract international stars. As a result, the 1932 Aonach Tailteann was nowhere near as successful as its predecessors. Sadly, Aonach Tailteann fizzled out after that poor performance, despite Walsh’s efforts to save it. At the time, the National Athletic and Cycling Association was involved in a bitter dispute about its representation of athletes in Northern Ireland. It refused to recognise the international body’s ruling that it had no jurisdiction there. As a result, Irish athletes were banned from competing, making the fate of the 1936 Games uncertain.

On top of that, a damaging trade war with Britain meant that government finances were in a poor state. Walsh continued to lobby for the games, however, so Taoiseach Eamon de Valera appointed a committee of civil servants to report on its feasibility.

In 1938, it recommended that the event be discontinued. The Tailteann Games came to a disappointing end, but almost a century has passed since then. Perhaps the time is right to revive this historic festival once more. When we are finally able to come together again, what could be better than an epic celebration of Irish sport and culture?"

-taken from IrishPost

Two large silver medals (1928 & 1932) for "First Prize Irish Dancing" awarded to Evelyn O'Connor , an outstanding dancer who won more awards than any other of the time. Accompanied by a photograph of Evelyn O'Connor and her collection of trophies and medals including these two. The medals have had pins attached to be worn as brooches.

Tailteann Games, Aonach Tailteann. Athletes Games - Army Officers dressed in mythical outfits. Croke Park, August 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. America v Ireland. 16/8/28. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Tailteann Games. Athletes Games- Groups Army Officers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Pageant procession. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Opening of Tailteann Games. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Modern participants of the Tailteann Games.

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Man winning race. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurling America v Ireland. American Hurling Team. 16/8/28. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Runners competing in race. 1932.

Tailteann Games. August 2, 1924.

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. 4 Irish athletes. From left: J.V. Connell, M. Greegan, P.O. Moore and S. Lavan winners of the 800 meters relay race. 19/8/1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Fireworks at the first Tailteann games. August 15, 1924.

(Found in a miscellaneous box) Opening of Tailteann Games. 1928. Pictured are from left; Mr. Cormac Breathnach, Mr. George Atkinson, R.H.A. and Mr. J.J. Walsh Director of Aonach Tailteann. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

(Found in a miscellaneous box) Opening of Tailteann Games. Parade. 1928 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Athletes Games- Groups Army Officers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games: Athletes Games. An athlete from Canada with a referee. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games: Athletes Parade. 1924 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Ireland Soccer Team v U.S.A. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. American Athletes. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Runners; running. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Variuos teams parading. Hurlers; hurling. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. (High jump, possibly). 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Gymnastics display. One of the movements durrng the gymnastc display Iby the Civic Guards, under Inspector McCreancr, at Oroke Park on Friday evening. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Swimmers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Parade and singers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Various teams parading. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Ireland Soccer Team v U.S.A. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. The Motor Cycle section parading at the opening of the Aonach Tailteann 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Ireland v U.S.A. Hurling. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Ireland Soccer Team v U.S.A. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Opening of Tailteann Games. Picture of various teams parading. The Scottish shinty team and the Irish hurling team. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Opening of Tailteann Games. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Opening of Tailteann Games. Picture of various teams parading. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Ireland v U.S.A. Hurling. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Opening of Tailteann Games. Massed band parade.

Opening of Tailteann Games. Picture of attendance.

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Man - T. Healy winner of the Shot Putt. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. J.J. O'Reilly marathon runner. First Irish finisher in the marathon. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. 1928. S.J.M. Atkinson and J. Viljean South Africa (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Athletes on field. Augusr 1928. M. Steyler (South Africa) who was second in the Marathon Race from Navan to Dublin (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Crowd of boys at Dun Laoghaire eagerly awaiting the arrival of boxer Gene Tunney, who had just retired as the world heavyweight boxing champion. 24th August 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Opening of the 1932 Tailteann Games. Picture of various teams parading. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurling America v Ireland. 16/8/28. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurling America v Ireland. 16/08/1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurling America v Ireland.16/08/1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Retired World Champion Gene Tunney (center left with light hat) with the members of the Tailteann committee who greeted him in Holyhead. Left to right: Mr. Sean Clarke, Mr. J.J. Healy, Surgeon Keegan, Mr. Tunny, Mr. J. McSwiney, Mr. P. lynch, Mr. J.J. O'Toole, and Major-Gen. Hohan. 24th August 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

The crowds who greeted Boxer Gene Tunney on his arrival in Dublin. Car passing through crowds. August 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Portrait athlete (N.D.). 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Competitors in a Hurdles Race.1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Competitor in a cycling event. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Runners competing in race. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Long jump. 1928. H.M. Osbourne USA winner of the 3 standing jumps. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics. Teams parade. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurdles race. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Hurling America v Ireland. 16/8/28 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Pageant procession. "Queen Tailte" Miss N. Rock 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. Man winning race. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Tailteann Games. Parade and singers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Various teams parading. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Tailteann Games. Athletes Games- Groups Army Officers. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI collection.). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. H.B. Hart, South Africa who won the Decathalon.16/8/1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann. March past of the Athlethics section lead by Sean lavin the irish sprinter. 3/8/1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Tailteann games. 1932 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Opening of Tailteann Games. 1928. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Tailteann Games. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

W.B. Yeats. Miscellaneous Box 15. Mr. J.J. Walsh the Director of the Aonach Tailteann and some prominent supporters. Left to right -Mr. Justice Wylie, Senator W.B. Yeats, Sir John Irwin, Sir Henry McGloughlin and the Director. At the opening of the 1924 Tailteann Games. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Tailteann Games. 1924. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).

Aonach Tailteann Athletics - Croke Park. A.H. Bates U.S.A. winner of the long jump 16/8/1928 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).