History
Gaelic Park was bought by the Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York (GAA) in 1926. It started off as a very rough pitch that served as a social center for the many Irish immigrants to the Bronx. With the absence of film centers and other entertainment complexes, hurling at the park was the main entertainment. The GAA ran the park for about 10 years until it was forced into bankruptcy, after which the city took over the land. The property was then leased again in 1941 to John "Kerry" O’Donnell, who with the help of his family and friends ran the park, dance hall, and tavern. For several years, it was called "Croke Park" after the key GAA park in Dublin. The park was taken over by Manhattan College in 1991, and currently goes under the official name of The Gaelic Park Sports Center. The college has kept up the traditions of Gaelic Park, as well as doing some significant renovations, and now also uses it for home games of lacrosse, soccer, and softball.
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