Geography Project

Michael Cusack was born in 1847 in Carron, County Clare. Although young Michael did not attend school until he was 11 years old, he quickly showed that he was a bright and able pupil. After a spell as a student teacher in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, he returned to teach at the national school in Corofin for a few months. He then went on to get his teaching qualifications in Dublin. His first major post was as school master at Lough Cutra national school in Galway where he received the princely sum of £18 per year. Michael Cusack also thought in Clongowes Wood in Clane, Co.Kildare. He then set up his own school in Dublin and settled there.

In 1884 Michael Cusack, founded the Gaelic Athletic Association in Hayes Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary, in Liberty Square which is in the centre of Thurles. The other founders are Maurice Davin, John Wyse Power, John McKay, J. K. Bracken, Joseph O'Ryan and Thomas St. George McCarthy, who were from all over Ireland.

Croke Park is the 3rd largest stadium in Europe. It has played host to many events, not all of which involve the GAA. It is situated in Dublin centre just off Lower Dorset Street and Jones Road. The GAA also opened the doors of Croke Park to the FAI and IRFU during the reconstruction of their own ground on Lansdown Road, which is now called the Aviva Stadium. The names of the four stands in Croke Park, Hogan Stand, Davin stand, Cusack Stand and Dineen-Hill 16. Each stand is named after a person involved in the GAA. The Cusack stand is named after Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA. The Davin stand stand is named after Maurice Davin, who was involved in the founding of the GAA. The Hogan stand is named after Michael Hogan, who was captain of the Tipperary team that were playing in Croke Park when it was attacked during Bloody sunday. The Dineen-Hill 16 was a mound measuring 60m was called Hill 60. In 2006 the Hill was renamed Dineen/Hill 16 in honour of Frank Dineen, who purchased the grounds for the GAA in 1908.

Muhammad Ali was born in Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17 1942. He is a 3 times former heavyweight champion and is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. His Grandfather Abe Grady was born in Ennis in County Clare, so he has Irish connenctions!!

What I have learned from this project is that 2 of my favorite sports to watch, boxing and GAA, have Clare relations. The town of Ennis and the town of Carron are around 30 minutes away from each other. The founder of the GAA and Muhammad Ali's grandfather were from Clare.