Set Dancing, St Brigid’s Cross making, Men and Women’s Gaelic football and the Amateur Dramatic Tradition have been added to Ireland’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Republic’s Culture Minister Catherine Martin TD, announced formal State recognition of the practices as part of Ireland’s living cultural heritage, at Croke Park, during Sunday’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final where Donegal lost to Galway.
The move followed a recommendation from Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage. They will now join 38 other cultural practices already recognised.
Ireland maintains this National Inventory in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Its aim is to protect, promote and celebrate Irish living cultural heritage practices, customs, crafts and traditions.
Ms Martin described Ireland’s living heritage as “an integral part of our culture”.
She added: “Each of these practices is integral to the culture and identify of the communities who practice them, and to our society more broadly.
“The practices recognised today continue to thrive through the dedicated communities who sustain and pass on their skills through the generations.”
GAA President Jarlath Burns said the organisation was “extremely honoured” to have Gaelic football formally added to the list.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
“Gaelic football and Ladies’ Gaelic football are unique to us. Their importance to Irish people is evidenced by their popularity in more than 1,600 clubs throughout this island and the 500 GAA clubs which exist elsewhere in the world.”