James Nowlan facts for kids
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James Nowlan (1862–1924) was a very important person in Irish sports history. He was the president of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) for 20 years, from 1901 to 1921. This makes him the longest-serving president ever for the GAA. He also supported the Irish language and was involved in Irish politics. In 2009, he was listed as one of the 125 Most Influential People In GAA History.
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Discovering James Nowlan's Early Life
James Nowlan was born in 1862 in Monasterevin, County Kildare, Ireland. Records show he was baptised on May 25, 1862. His father, Patrick Nowlan, was a cooper, which is someone who makes or repairs wooden barrels. Patrick was also an early member of a group called the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). James followed in his father's footsteps and also trained as a cooper.
Nowlan's Impactful Career
James Nowlan was a strong supporter of the Irish language revival movement. He was a member of Conradh na Gaeilge, which worked to bring the Irish language back into everyday use. He also supported Sinn Féin, an Irish political party, from when it first started in 1905.
Promoting the GAA and Irish Culture
In 1898, Nowlan became an alderman in Kilkenny Corporation. An alderman is a local government official. He used this position to help promote the GAA, which was still quite new at the time. The GAA had been set up just 14 years earlier.
In 1900, he became the first chairman of the Leinster Council of the GAA. This council helps manage GAA activities in the Leinster province of Ireland.
Leading the GAA as President
Nowlan was elected president of the GAA nationally in 1901. He held this important role for two decades, until 1921. This long term makes him the longest-serving president in the GAA's history. During his time as president, he worked to guide the GAA towards a more Irish-focused path. He wanted the organization to strongly support Irish independence.
Challenges and Continued Support
After the Easter Rising in 1916, British authorities arrested Nowlan. He was held in an internment camp in Wales. However, he was released in August 1916. He then continued his work with the GAA and Sinn Féin. He openly supported the IRA during the Irish War of Independence.
In March 1921, Nowlan retired as GAA president. He was given a special title: Honorary Life President of the association. He is the only person to have ever received this honour.
Nowlan's Lasting Legacy
James Nowlan passed away in June 1924. He was in his mid-70s. He was buried in Glasnevin cemetery. For many years, his grave did not have a headstone. In 2013, the GAA placed a Celtic cross on his grave.
His memory lives on in a very special way. Nowlan Park, the GAA stadium in his home county of Kilkenny, was renamed in his honour in 1927. In September 2016, the GAA also introduced a new trophy. It is called The James Nowlan Cup and is given to the All-Ireland under-21 hurling champions.
