Why the GAA still matters to people

One Irish institution after another has been brought to heel, but the guardian of our games endures

Kerry and Mayo in action during the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final: the two sides do battle again this afternoon Picture: Inpho

Why is it that, alone of our big institutions, the GAA has survived and prospered in the age of discontent?

Politics, religion, banking and the civil service have all been diminished. Political parties, the Catholic Church, An Garda Siochána and figures of authority have taken a terrible mauling. Yet in a cynical and often disgruntled environment, the GAA was never more in its pomp. That will be on view again today as Kerry ...