GAA celebrates 125 years with Croker celebration

The GAA tonight celebrated its 125th anniversary with a spectacular lights and fireworks show in Croke Park following a closely…

The GAA tonight celebrated its 125th anniversary with a spectacular lights and fireworks show in Croke Park following a closely fought game between Dublin and Tyrone that the visitors won by 1-18 to 1-16.

An “Iconic moments” show, featuring GAA highlights, over the years was screened, as part of the 125 Spectacle Event, and this was followed by a 20-minute lighting and fireworks extravaganza that saw the stadium bathed in a range of colours to a musical accompaniment.

U2 drummer Larry Mullen produced the soundtrack for the lighting and fireworks display, which included tracks from, among others, U2, Snow Patrol, the Cranberries, and the Waterboys.

A bilingual tribute to the GAA was provided by commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, and at one point an extract from fomer US president John F. Kennedy's speech to the Dáil was played over the PA system.

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Earlier on the pitch, the new Dublin management under Pat Gilroy had lost a closely fought game to Tyrone, who posted a number of scores as the match appeared heading Dublin's way toward the final whistle.

Throw-in for the game was at 7.30pm, although festivities started at 6.30pm, with television presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin overseeing events. Half-time entertainment came from Sharon Shannon and Mundy.

Traffic delays can be expected in Drumcondra and in the area surrounding Croke Park this evening.