‘After the massacre, the GAA became even more important to us as a real sense of identity. It’s difficult to explain but we could cling to it in a sense, and say this is ours, this is us.’

– Clare Rogan, wife of Adrian Rogan, killed by the UVF in the 1994 Loughinisland massacre

The GAA has long been at the heart of Irish life, nurturing our culture and communities and fostering powerful social bonds.

However, as sectarian conflict intensified in the North, the GAA became the object of animosity and surveillance by loyalist paramilitaries and Crown forces. Clubhouses and pitches were occupied by British forces, fans were security checked and harrassed on their way to and from games, and over 150 members were killed.

Lost Gaels is the first comprehensive account of the devastating impact of the Troubles on the GAA, providing a platform for bereaved family and friends to pay homage to their lost loved ones. Capturing the deep connection between the GAA and the everyday lives of Irish people, this is a poignant and powerful tribute to the lives of lost Gaels.

Peadar Thompson is a lifelong Gael from West Belfast, Ireland. He is a fluent gaeilgeoir, and member of Naomh Eoin (St John’s), Belfast. Strongly motivated by his own family’s campaigning for truth and justice, Peadar has read law at both Newcastle University and Leiden University, and has worked in the fields of human rights, law and victim advocacy, including at Relatives for Justice. Peadar is named after his paternal uncle, Peter, who was killed on 13 January 1990 by undercover British Army Intelligence Officers.