less common and less serious than in previous times. 19th century Political and social changes including the Act of Union 1801 and Great Famine produced a decline in sporting activity and a rift between the landowners and the people so that the game was no longer supported by the gentry. Both versions of the game largely died out, surviving in three pockets around Cork city, south-east County Galway, and north of Wexford. In 1884 the Gaelic Athletic Association was formed to promote or revive traditional Irish sports. Michael Cusack simplified the game with which he was familiar from childhood in County Clare and thus laid the modern rules based on the iomán version of the game. (Cusack's own efforts to bring teams together from different areas had foundered on lack of agreement of rules.) "Not surprisingly, this new game never caught on in the old 'commons' area, with the Glens of Antrim being the only major exception." Cusack promoted the game as part of Irish nationalism, and founded the Celtic Times to promote both. 20th century The 20th century saw greater organisation in Hurling and Gaelic Football. The all-Ireland Hurling championship came into existence along with the provincial championships. Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary dominated hurling in the 20th century with each of these countries winning more than 20 All-Ireland titles each. Wexford, Waterford, Clare, Limerick, Offaly, Dublin, and Galway were also strong hurling counties during the 20th century. Micheál Murphy (of the Blackrock club) is the first hurler to wear a helmet - wearing it to protect a skull injury in a 1969 Fitzgibbon Cup for UCC. 21st century As hurling entered the new millennium, it remains Ireland's second most popular sport. An extended qualifier system and round robin format has resulted in a longer All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Kilkenny have so far been the most successful team of the century, winning 11 All Irelands. A newly resurgent Limerick team have the second most with four All Irelands. The inauguration of the Christy Ring Cup and Nicky Rackard Cup gave new championships and an opportunity to play in Croke Park to the weaker county teams. References Further reading Hurling Hurling culture