The GAA is the largest sports body in Ireland and one of the largest amateur sporting associations in the world. Its contribution to social and civic life in twentieth-century Ireland has been incalculable.

Until 1980, there was no published history of the Association. In that year the first edition of Marcus de Burca's survey appeared and immediately established itself as the definitive work. This revised and updated edition brings the story of the GAA to the end of the century and covers the changes and challenges faced by the Association in the 1980s and 1990s.

'De Burca has...done massive research into the history of his subject. In doing so, he has served the GAA well. What is more important, however, is that he has served Irish history well.' Sean Kilfeather, The Irish Times