Harry Boland was a cultural icon. For all his political ideals, he was first and foremost a GAA man. The Gaelic Athletic Association was ingrained in him by his father. He grew up on Dalymount Terrace, Phibsboro, within sight of Croke Park, the home of Gaelic Games. He hurled for Dublin in the 1909 All Ireland final, chaired the Dublin County Board in 1911 and trained UCD Collegians to the 1917 All Ireland hurling title.He was a sportsman. To add to his cultural relevance, he was also a trained tailor with his own shop on Middle Abbey Street from where he put suits on the back of our most famous poiltical leaders Eamon De Valera and Michael Collins. A special envoy to the USA he negotiated a 20,000 dollar loan to the Soviet Republic for which he inherited the Russian Crown jewels as collateral. These jewels were found up a chimney in Marino Crescent years later where he had them at his mother’s home. He had an ambassadorial personal style and an intellectual craft making him a skilled negotiator and deal-maker. his style and achievements make him much more than an activist. A true cultural icon.