New Book is the First to Honor GAA Members Killed During Conflict in the North of Ireland
Author Peadar Thompson kicks off the Lost Gaels book tour in Boston, sharing the untold stories of GAA members lost during Ireland’s unrest and celebrating their resilience, community impact, and the unifying power of sport.
Ryan Arnold
CHICAGO (January 27, 2025) - Peadar Thompson’s new book, Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland, is the first comprehensive account of the devastating impact of the Troubles on the GAA community. Available in the U.S. starting February 27, 2025, it is a poignant and powerful tribute to the lives of lost Gaels, celebrating the power of sport to foster unity and healing in the face of violence.
"The entries in Lost Gaels share the human stories of lives shaped by conflict. Individually, they reveal the everyday lives of Gaels lost, both off and on the sporting field, as told by those closest to them. Collectively, they highlight the unique role of the GAA in Irish life and the resilience of its members during the darkest days of the war in the North of Ireland.
My hope is to broaden the legacies of those included, so they are remembered not just for how they died, but for how they lived."
- Peadar Thompson, author of Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland
To celebrate its release, Thompson will begin a multi-city U.S. book tour on February 20 at Hibernian Hall in Boston. The tour is supported by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization. This partnership highlights their shared mission to preserve Irish heritage and honor those who used sport as a force for peace.
“The Ancient Order of Hibernians is proud to co-host the U.S. book launch of Lost Gaels. Peadar Thompson has written a powerful testament to those GAA members who were killed during the troubles.
Some were targeted just because of the jersey they wore and the sport they loved. The GAA unites communities and preserves the resilience of the Irish spirit.”
- Sean Pender, Ancient Order of Hibernians National President
The Troubles, from the late 1960s to the late 1990s, were a period of political and cultural conflict in Northern Ireland. Thousands of lives were lost, and communities were left deeply scarred. Amid this turmoil, members of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stood as symbols of hope and resilience, using sport to unite people in a divided society.
Lost Gaels is a meticulously researched and profoundly moving account that captures the untold stories of GAA members who lost their lives and ensures their legacies endure. More than a historical record, it is a tribute to the enduring human spirit and the unifying power of sport.
A Story That Transcends Borders
While rooted in Northern Ireland’s conflict, Lost Gaels' message resonates universally. It highlights how sports can heal divisions and build connections even during unimaginable hardship. The GAA, a cornerstone of Irish culture and identity, symbolizes strength for communities grappling with violence, offering a message that transcends borders.
Thompson’s personal connection to this history gives the book its emotional depth. As a native of West Belfast, he witnessed the impact of the Troubles firsthand. His uncle, Peter, was among those killed, an experience that inspired Thompson to document the stories of others whose lives were similarly affected.
What Readers Will Discover
Lost Gaels highlights powerful and moving stories of GAA members, including Gavin McShane, a talented 17-year-old athlete from Armagh known for his skill in hurling and football; Sean Brown, a dedicated club leader from Derry who seamlessly balanced family life and community service; and Patrick Shields, a passionate sportsman from Tyrone whose commitment to the game left a lasting legacy in his community. These stories illuminate the extraordinary contributions of individuals whose legacies continue to inspire.
Excerpts from Lost Gaels
Each excerpt from the book reveals the personal toll of the conflict while celebrating the resilience, love, and legacy left behind. These accounts invite readers to reflect on the human cost of division and the unyielding spirit of those remembered within its pages.
Tour Details
The multi-city U.S. tour will include engaging talks by the author, interactive Q&A sessions, and book signings. Visit LostGaels.com for more information.
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Boston, MA - Hibernian Hall
- Friday, February 21, 2025 – Albany, NY - Irish American Heritage Museum
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Glastonbury, CT - Irish American Home Society
- Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Orangeburg, NY - Rockland GAA
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – New York, NY - American Irish Historical Society
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – Middletown, NJ - Bayshore Catholic Center
- Thursday, February 27, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA - Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center
- Friday, February 28, 2025 - Baltimore, MD - 223 S. Central Ave Lofts
- Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA - Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle Irish Pub
- Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Cleveland, OH - West Side Irish American Club
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Chicago, IL - Irish American Heritage Center
Available for Pre-Order Now
Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland, published by Merrion Press, was released in Ireland and Europe last year to critical acclaim. The book will be available in the U.S. on February 27, 2025, in hardcover ($35.00) and Kindle ($9.99). Readers can pre-order their copies through Amazon.com. More than a history book, it is a testament to the strength of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unifying power of sport in times of division.
About Peadar Thompson
Peadar Thompson (pronounced PA-der) is a Belfast-based author and activist dedicated to documenting the lives of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) members killed during Ireland’s conflict. His debut book, Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland, pays tribute to over 150 individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
A member of Naomh Eoin (St John’s) GAA club in Belfast, Thompson combines his background in law and human rights with personal experience—he was named after his uncle Peter, who was killed in 1990. His work collects personal stories from families and friends, providing a platform for honoring those lost while highlighting the GAA’s role as a unifying force in Irish life.
About the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic fraternal organization, founded in 1836 in New York City. Established to protect Irish immigrants and promote Irish heritage, the AOH has grown into a nationwide organization dedicated to preserving Irish culture, supporting charitable initiatives, and advocating for human rights and justice in Ireland.
Today, the AOH remains committed to celebrating Irish history, culture, and values through various events, programs, and partnerships. Focusing on education, community service, and cultural preservation, the AOH continues to foster unity and honor Irish traditions.
About Merrion Press
Merrion Press, established in 2012 as an imprint of Irish Academic Press, publishes accessible and engaging books on Irish history, current affairs, and memoirs. Based in County Kildare, Merrion Press builds on the legacy of its parent company by creating works that appeal to a broad audience while maintaining a commitment to quality and insight.
Known for its bestselling series, Old Ireland in Colour, Merrion Press has become a key player in Irish publishing, offering books that bring Ireland’s stories and culture to life, under the leadership of Conor Graham, the imprint releases between 30 and 35 titles annually, combining scholarly integrity with a fresh, popular approach to Irish literature.
