Patrick Nally after whom the Nally stand in Croke Park in Dublin was named was a native of Balla, Co Mayo, Ireland. The stand, which was dedicated in 1952, was demolished in the redevelopment of Croke Park in 2003. The stand was salvaged and erected 160km away at Colmcille Park in Carrickmore Co Tyrone. The Nally Terrace at Croke Park was officially opened in March 2003.
Partick William Nally was born in Rockstown House Co Mayo in 1856. His father William was the land agent for Sir Robert Lynch-Blosse, the local landlord. Patrick was educated locally and at St Jarlath’s College in Tuam Co Galway. He worked on his father’s farm and became a well-known athlete. In 1879 he organised the National Sports of Mayo. The successful event was held on his father’s farm and a repeat fixture was held the following year.
During the 1870’s Patrick Nally began discussions with Michael Cusack about the establishment of an organisation which would eventually become the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Before the organisation was be established, however, Nally was arrested for Fenian activities. He was charged with plotting the murder of land agents. Nally was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison. He died at the age of 36 in Mountjoy Prison on November 9th 1891, shortly before he was due to be released. Though some suspected foul play the official cause of Nally’s death was given as typhoid fever.
Patrick Nally was born in the year 1856 On This Day.
Croke Park