Physical Education in Irish Schools, 1900-2000: A History

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The book explores the evolution of physical education in Irish primary and secondary schools throughout the twentieth century, highlighting its decline in status post-1921 partition. It analyzes the impact of educational policies and societal attitudes, noting the lack of implementation of the Sokol system and the delayed introduction of compulsory physical education until the late 1960s. Despite the establishment of the National College of Physical Education in 1973, Irish schools continued to lag behind their European counterparts, while Northern Ireland's approach mirrored UK developments but also faced challenges.