Post by earl on Oct 28, 2008 18:00:09 GMT
SINN Fein MLA Barry McElduff has urged nationalists to support the Ulster rugby team after he paid a visit to Ravenhill for a match.
The West Tyrone representative, a GAA enthusiast, even joined in the famous supporters' chant, Stand Up for the Ulstermen, claiming that he certainly stood up for the Ulstermen when the time came.
And after admitting that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, he has urged other republicans to follow his lead, despite the fact that rugby has always traditionally been associated with the unionist tradition in Northern Ireland.
The Sinn Fein MLA – who is also chairman of Stormont's Sports Committee – said that sport was "absolutely unique" in that it played a part in breaking down barriers.
He also said that learning more about each other's cultures and interests was a valuable way of building an understanding in a divided society.
"Anyone who knows me knows I have a very strong interest in Gaelic sports, but I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Ravenhill and I am very grateful to the people at Ulster Rugby who hosted me," Mr McElduff said.
"I would certainly encourage anyone from my background to go down and take in a game at Ravenhill, it was great fun and had a great social aspect to it."
His visit follows a groundbreaking move by former DUP Sports Minister Edwin Poots earlier this year when he attended a Gaelic football match between Down and Donegal.
The Lagan Valley MLA also spoke at the Gaelic Athletic Association's Ulster Council meeting during his time in office. Mr Poots' successor and party colleague Gregory Campbell has followed his lead and was recently a guest at the official opening of a Gaelic sports club in south Belfast. Mr McElduff also said he would be prepared to accept an invitation to attend a game at Windsor Park, home ground of the Northern Ireland football team.
"If I got an invitation from the Irish Football Association to attend a match in my capacity as chairman of the committee I would be happy to accept it," he said.
The West Tyrone representative, a GAA enthusiast, even joined in the famous supporters' chant, Stand Up for the Ulstermen, claiming that he certainly stood up for the Ulstermen when the time came.
And after admitting that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, he has urged other republicans to follow his lead, despite the fact that rugby has always traditionally been associated with the unionist tradition in Northern Ireland.
The Sinn Fein MLA – who is also chairman of Stormont's Sports Committee – said that sport was "absolutely unique" in that it played a part in breaking down barriers.
He also said that learning more about each other's cultures and interests was a valuable way of building an understanding in a divided society.
"Anyone who knows me knows I have a very strong interest in Gaelic sports, but I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Ravenhill and I am very grateful to the people at Ulster Rugby who hosted me," Mr McElduff said.
"I would certainly encourage anyone from my background to go down and take in a game at Ravenhill, it was great fun and had a great social aspect to it."
His visit follows a groundbreaking move by former DUP Sports Minister Edwin Poots earlier this year when he attended a Gaelic football match between Down and Donegal.
The Lagan Valley MLA also spoke at the Gaelic Athletic Association's Ulster Council meeting during his time in office. Mr Poots' successor and party colleague Gregory Campbell has followed his lead and was recently a guest at the official opening of a Gaelic sports club in south Belfast. Mr McElduff also said he would be prepared to accept an invitation to attend a game at Windsor Park, home ground of the Northern Ireland football team.
"If I got an invitation from the Irish Football Association to attend a match in my capacity as chairman of the committee I would be happy to accept it," he said.
