The Story behind the Tailteann Games Jersey 1924

O'Neills Tailteann Games Commemoration Jersey

According to Irish legend, the Tailteann Games were first established in 632 BC near the Hill of Tara, by the High King of All Ireland, Lugh. He founded the games in memory of his foster mother, Tailte, who had died of exhaustion whilst clearing the plains of Ireland for agriculture.

Lugh was not only the High King but also the Celtic god of the sun, harvest and light, he established the Celtic Festival of Lughnasadh, one of the four great festivals in Ireland. Lughnasadh is celebrated on the 1st of August, marking the beginning of Autumn and the celebration of the harvest season. The Funeral Festival honouring his foster mother, Aonach Tailteann, lasted two week and were celebrated during the Lughnasadh Festival. The last Tailteann Games were celebrated in 1168 AD, as the last High King of Ireland, Ruadhri O’Connor sat on the throne, just before the Anglo-Norman invasion.

The Revival: 1924, 1928, 1932:

In 1924, 100 years ago, Ireland revived the Tailteann Games, reaffirming their message of freedom. Some 3 years prior, 26 counties had gained independence from England after 800 years of colonisation and oppression, the restoration of Aonach Tailteann was a clear symbol of Ireland’s return to her own unique culture and heritage. This symbol of independence was reinforced when the GAA banned all English sports from the competition including rugby, cricket, hockey and soccer.

The 1924 Games commenced on 2nd August and concluded almost 2 weeks later, on August 17th. The Tailteann Games attracted more attention than the 1924 Paris Olympics (The Games outdate the Olympics by almost 100 years!). With most of the ceremonies and competitions held in Croke Park, it is estimated that around 250,000 people attended the events with almost 5000 competitors. The message of Irish patriotism was deeply rooted within the Tailteann Games in 1924 as to enter the games, the competitors had to either be Irish or of Irish heritage. Similarly, all international teams entering had to represent places with Irish diaspora. However, in order for the Games to gain even more attention in the media and world press, a few international athletes were added to the competitions, as a result 23 medal winners from the Paris Olympics competed as well.

The opening ceremony took place in Croke Park, where young men dressed as 11th Century warriors adorned with spears led Irish Wolfhounds as well as Queen Tailte around the stadium! Both sporting and cultural competitions were held, examples include all GAA games, golfing, tennis, horse racing, boxing, aeroplane and car racing and swimming (A Fun Fact! The swimming competition was held in the pond of the Zoo at Phoenix Park!) The cultural competitions involved poetry, music, dancing, storytelling as well as arts and crafts. The 1928 and 1932 Games were much less successful, there was a decline in available funding as well as many Olympic athletes unable to attend. Similarly in 1932, the Games were not only upstaged by the Olympics in LA but by the Eucharistic Congress held in Phoenix Park. From June 21st – 26th Dublin over 1.5 million people arrived in Dublin to celebrate mass as well as the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick’s arrival. Due to the disappointment in the previous two games, for financial and political reasons the government decided to discontinue the games.

The Tailteann Games Jersey

Celebrate one of Ireland’s Great Festivals as well as its independence and commemorate 100 years since the revival of the Tailteann Games with a Aonach Tailteann Commemorative Jersey. Immerse yourself in Ireland’s abundant history and join us in commemorating the 100th anniversary of Aonach Tailteann 1924, with our new jersey to add to your heritage collection.

The story behind the Tailteann Games Jersey

Our commemoration Jersey perfectly intertwines the fibres of our rich heritage with a seamless modern look. The circular badge is a beautiful representation of the Winners Medal from the 1924 Games, re-emphasising our celebration of the 20th century revival. Detailed on the badge is an elegant depiction of the Ancient Queen Tailte, who the games are named after. Inscribed in Irish above her regal crown are the words, ‘An Bhainrioghan Tailte’ meaning Queen Tailte. 1924 has been delicately stitched to right of the badge, as an ode to the centenary.

The Shamrock is the symbol of Ireland, appearing consistently throughout our heritage and is at the centre of our national identity. The gold embroidered 3-leaf clover proudly adorns the left side of the jersey, reminiscent of the 1924 Ireland Team Jersey in the Tailteann Games, further evoking our Irish pride.

The outline of the warrior competing in the games, throwing a spear, is symbolic of the original Tailteann Games from the 11th Century, just before the Anglo-Norman Invasion and the last Games celebration. This image appears across all promotional papers for the 1924 Games, featuring as the cover on pamphlets, newspapers and sports programmes, and became widely recognised as the symbol of the Tailteann Games. The deep emerald and sapphire tones used in each of the respective jerseys provide an exquisite contrast to the gold stitching found throughout. The markings softly strewn across the background represents barley, commonly carried by Irish rebels as provisions whilst fighting the English. Barley has since become the symbol of Irish resistance against English oppression, perfectly illustrating the very principle behind 1924 revival of the Tailteann Games.