The 'inclusive and non sectarian gaa'

[Wasp]

Today we reveal the first complete list of GAA tributes to men and women who were IRA members. Our map shows how the memorials have spread across the whole of Northern Ireland as controversy over the issue increases.

And below, we detail the ways GAA grounds, contests, trophies and even badges are used to honour dead republican paramilitaries from the Troubles.

The sports body insists it is non-party political and republcians have stressed that competitions have been named after paramilitaries because they were veteran GAA members and talented athletes.

But their explanation did not satisfy Sports Minister Nelson McCausland last week.

He threatened to cut public funding for the organisation unless its “glorification” of dead paramiltaries stopped.

Nationalists accused him of using the GAA as a political football to curry favour with voters.

They also blasted him for ignoring loyalist tributes to murderers — such as the annual Brian Robinson memorial march which carries the name of the UVF killer.

Sinn Fein’s Barry McElduff raged yesterday: “Airbrushing history will achieve nothing. I wouldn’t be pushing for a trawl through loyalist bands and their names. We need to move forward.”

Mr McCausland attended his first GAA match yesterday for the International Police Gaelic Football Tournament final at Newforge Country Club in Belfast, hosted by the PSNI.

The GAA’s Ulster president Tom Daly said: “GAA places and spaces have been places where everybody, irrespective of political affiliation or none, has been welcome.” Many of the tributes below were created independently of GAA bosses, who have announced they would co-operate with any Government review.

Kevin Lynch

The GAA hurling club in Dungiven, Co Londonderry, is named after INLA member and former player Lynch.
He was the seventh of the 10 hunger strikers to die in 1981, after being sentenced to 10 years for stealing shotguns and conspiring to disarm the security forces. Lynch was captain of the 1972 All-Ireland-winning under-16 Derry team.

Joe Cahill

An under-12s football contest is played at Cardinal O’Donnell Park, west Belfast, in honour of the IRA veteran who died in 2004.
Cahill joined the IRA aged 18 and was convicted for his part in killing Catholic cop and dad-of-ten, Patrick Murphy, in 1942. He also was a key figure in founding the Provisional IRA in 1969.

Bobby Sands

The Cumann na Fuiseoige GAA club honours IRA hunger striker Sands, who grew up near its base in Twinbrook, west Belfast.
The club’s badge shows a lark, barb wire and a capital ‘H’ representing the H-block in the Maze prison where Sands — who was convicted of arms offences — was the first IRA hunger striker to die.

There is also a Bobby Sands Memorial soccer cup contest, held during the Feile an Phobail festival in west Belfast.

Mairead Farrell

A girls’ camogie championship played in Tullysaran, Co Armagh, was named after IRA woman Farrell.

She spent 10 years in jail for bombing the Conway Hotel, Dunmurry, and was killed by the SAS in Gibraltar with fellow IRA members Sean Savage and Daniel McCann in 1988 with whom she allegedly planned to bomb an Army band.

Martin Hurson

A commemorative Martin Hurson Memorial cup final is played every year at Galbally Pearses Football Field near Dungannon in Co Tyrone.

The fifth of the H-block hunger strikers to die, Hurson was arrested in 1976 and quizzed over the attempted murder of UDR soldiers in a bomb attack.

The charge was dropped but he was convicted in relation to several other charges.

Michael McVerry

The first member of the IRA in south Armagh to be killed in the Troubles, McVerry was shot by soldiers in 1973 after placing a 100lb bomb at Keady RUC station, helped by five men who fought a running battle with cops after the device exploded.
The Michael McVerry cup is played for in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, each year.

Gerard and Martin Harte

These East Tyrone IRA brothers were killed in a carefully-planned SAS ambush at Drumnakilly in 1988. Many branded it revenge for the Ballygawley bus attack 10 days earlier, which killed eight soldiers and injured 27 others.

Palyed at Loughmacrory, the Gerard and Martin Harte Memorial cup is now one of Tyrone's foremost under-12 Gaelic football tournaments.

Louis Leonard Memorial Park

The ground in Donagh, Fermanagh, was named after IRA man Louis, who was killed by loyalists in 1972 while working late in his shop in the village of Derrylin.

Loughgall bomber Paddy Kelly

The Paddy Kelly cup was played in Dungannon, Co Tyrone as part of commemorations for the IRA Loughgall “martyrs”. A heavily-armed IRA unit including Kelly and O’Callaghan was trying to blow up a part-time police station in Loughgall, Co Tyrone, with a 200lb bomb when they were gunned down by the SAS.

McDonnell/Doherty Park

The home ground of the St Teresas GAA club in west Belfast is named after hunger strikers and former players Joe McDonnell and Kieran Doherty.

McDonnell had been arrested in 1976 with Bobby Sands following a bomb attack on a furniture store in Dunmurry and Doherty was convicted for possession of firearms, explosives and hijacking.

Jim Lochrie and Sean Campbell


Lochrie/Campbell GAA Park in Dromintee, south Armagh is named after IRA members Jim Lochrie and Sean Campbell who were killed when a land mine exploded prematurely at Kelly's Road, Killeen in 1975.

[leeside]

Wasp, while I admit that the GAA dont do themselves any favours by allowing grounds and trophies to be named after dead paramilitaries, they are far more forward thinking, inclusive and non-sectarian than you and loyalists alike, like to think. They have elected 2 protestant presidents. They do not ban or forbid protestants from joining. They do not ban or forbid members from attending protestant church services. They do not ban or forbid members from marrying protestants. They have allowed and have showed respect to the playing of 'God Save the Queen' on there most sacred ground and to top it all off they have even welcomed the Queen of England with a genuine sincerity that made me cry with pride when i watched it.

From the outside looking in, Wasp, I really believe that loyalists need to start addressing their own deep seeded cultural sectarianism instead of having a go at the GAA's. One has clearly progressed far more than the other and no question, is clearly far more inclusive and non sectarian than the other.

[Wasp]

You are looking at things from a different perspective, lets stay with the facts. The OO which you are clearly referring to is a religious body and to comapre them with a so called sporting body is daft. Certainly compare them with the numerous RC orders but not a sporting body. There is no getting away from the facts, while the gaa on one hand claim this and that they still hurt many people by allowing the various things that have been listed.

Please please tell me one sporting organisation on the loyalist side that allows the things listed in glorifying terrorists?

[Wasp]

'GAA ‘must clarify views on IRA events at clubs’


Republican posters, Dungannon


Published on Thursday 11 August 2011 08:26


GAA chiefs have been asked to explain how persisting connections with IRA commemorations should be viewed by their unionist neighbours.
The call by DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen, chair of the assembly culture committee, comes after unionists in Tyrone expressed concern at an IRA commemoration event at Pomeroy Plunketts GAC on Saturday.

The fundraising tug-of-war event is being held in memory of IRA member, Seamus Woods, who died in 1988 when the mortar bombs he was transporting to attack Pomeroy police station exploded prematurely.

Flyers for the event said all proceeds are to be given to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The charity later issued a statement disassociating itself from the event.

A few years ago the GAA opened a new ground in Dungiven, named after INLA member, Kevin Lynch, and in 2006 a Sinn Fein-sponsored Hunger Strike rally was held at the GAA’s Casement Park.

The GAA has worked hard in recent years to build community relations, impressing unionists with its support for murdered PSNI constable and GAA member Ronan Kerr. However, Ms McIlveen said unionists deserve an explanation on persisting IRA links with the GAA in 2011.

“It is inconceivable that an event to commemorate a loyalist terrorist would take place in, for example, a rugby club without a huge and entirely appropriate public outcry,” she said.

“The fact that an event glorifying the violent death of a terrorist is also being associated with a caring charity simply adds a further element of distaste.

“It is simply not credible for the GAA to preside over rules which claim to prohibit sectarianism or involvement in party politics yet allow events like this to take place within property governed by them.

“A statement should be forthcoming from the GAA stating not only what their view is about this event, but about what action they intend to take against the club in question for breaching the rules of the organisation.”

The GAA has the capacity to take disciplinary action against clubs for a range matters, she said.

“If it should decide not to even make a statement on this issue, let alone take any action, then it will simply reinforce in the minds of many that the GAA merely pays lip service to claims of anti-sectarianism and cross-community work.”

Earlier this week the News Letter contacted the secretary of the Tyrone GAA county board, Dominic McCaughey, about the matter.

He said he was not aware of the event and directed questions to the secretary of Pomeroy Plunketts GAC.
When contacted by the News Letter, the club secretary declined to comment.

Yesterday Tyrone GAA released a statement, saying: “Until contacted by the media the GAA at all levels had no knowledge that an event of this nature was taking place in Pomeroy.

“Furthermore the event in question has not been sanctioned by the association. The GAA is an non-party political association.”

[leeside]

You are looking at things from a different perspective, lets stay with the facts.

Wasp, Can you point out to me which parts of what i said are not facts?

The OO which you are clearly referring to is a religious body and to comapre them with a so called sporting body is daft. Certainly compare them with the numerous RC orders but not a sporting body.

Its not daft at all, wasp. Its embedded in loyalist culture like the GAA is embedded in irish culture, Im just giving you some perspective on whats truly sectarian. The OO is far from a simple religious body and you know it. They make politically provocative speeches and they regularly show how nonsensical their 'christian value' core principle claims are when they so easily turn to violence when they dont get there way.

There is no getting away from the facts, while the gaa on one hand claim this and that they still hurt many people by allowing the various things that have been listed.

Likewise, Wasp, there is no getting away from the facts that loyalist culture is deeply rooted in sectarianism and is literally paraded around as harmless culture. As i said already and which i completely agree with you on is that naming grounds and trophies after dead paramilitaries does not do them any favours and should be addressed and i understand how that gripes with unionists. However, it must be acknowledged that their actions in regards to the lifting of the ban on British security forces, the playing of English national anthem and the respect shown to the Queen shows how much they have progressed as an organisation. The OO could learn from them.

Please please tell me one sporting organisation on the loyalist side that allows the things listed in glorifying terrorists?

Apples and oranges, Wasp. Please please show me a religious order on the Catholic side that contracts republican paramilitary bands that glorify terrorists, sing disgusting puerile anti protestant songs and insists on marching down routes that they know will offend the local protestant community.

[Wasp]

Wasp, Can you point out to me which parts of what i said are not facts?

What I was referring to was the subject on hand and not throwing in the OO which is a seperate issue and cannot be compared to a so called sporting body.

Its not daft at all, wasp. Its embedded in loyalist culture like the GAA is embedded in irish culture, Im just giving you some perspective on whats truly sectarian

It is daft, just look at the gaa claims about what its not and do you not think it is truly sectarian to have the things that I have listed concerning the gaa. Can we not focus on the gaa and certainly open another thread on the OO.

. The OO is far from a simple religious body and you know it. They make politically provocative speeches and they regularly show how nonsensical their 'christian value' core principle claims are when they so easily turn to violence when they dont get there way.

The OO does not turn to violence, members have in protecting there liberties but sadly others have done worse than that but you cant brandish them all as one just like I dont brandish all gaa supporters as the same.

Likewise, Wasp, there is no getting away from the facts that loyalist culture is deeply rooted in sectarianism and is literally paraded around as harmless culture.

I woul;d like to explore your points here further but please on another thread, you are difflecting from the gaa by using the whataboutery comparing a religious order with a so called all inclusive sporting body.

As i said already and which i completely agree with you on is that naming grounds and trophies after dead paramilitaries does not do them any favours and should be addressed and i understand how that gripes with unionists.

It is highly offensive and shows deep rooted sectarianism to the core.

However, it must be acknowledged that their actions in regards to the lifting of the ban on British security forces, the playing of English national anthem and the respect shown to the Queen shows how much they have progressed as an organisation. The OO could learn from them.

Too little too late as republican often say, those rules should never have been implemented in the first place and certainly should never been kept, they belong with the dinasaurs. But steps have been made but they are very very small ones and nowhere near acceptable to be classed as a modern day all inclusive sporting body. Again you throw in the OO not comparing like for like. Republicans/nationalsits claimed they couldnt go to windsor park because of the name believing it was named after Royal family which it wasnt. We had afd on here claiming he or people he knew had to pretend to be Prods when they went to windsor which is absolute bullshit. So when we have the cries about the single name of Windsor yet hear the same people refusing to budge on the names of terrorists, make claims gaa is for everybody, throw back answers about the OO instead of dealing with the subject on hand etc (not referring to you here, just the republican mindset) then it becomes very very very hypocritical.

Apples and oranges, Wasp. Please please show me a religious order on the Catholic side that contracts republican paramilitary bands that glorify terrorists, sing disgusting puerile anti protestant songs and insists on marching down routes that they know will offend the local protestant community.

Bands have been banned from leading lodges because of a single flag nevermind the rest of what you claim.


[/quote]

[leeside]

What I was referring to was the subject on hand and not throwing in the OO which is a seperate issue and cannot be compared to a so called sporting body.

It is as much a sporting body as the OO is a religious order. They can be compared in the sense that they are both supported by a vast amount of the community from which they come from.

It is daft, just look at the gaa claims about what its not and do you not think it is truly sectarian to have the things that I have listed concerning the gaa. Can we not focus on the gaa and certainly open another thread on the OO.

Why does it upset you so much? You're not interested in the sport. They dont ban you from joining. They dont march through your neighbourhood.

The OO does not turn to violence, members have in protecting there liberties but sadly others have done worse than that but you cant brandish them all as one just like I dont brandish all gaa supporters as the same.

But you do brandish the whole organisation, no?? Their 'liberties'? You mean their outdated belief that they can march any route they want and catholics have to put up with it!?

I woul;d like to explore your points here further but please on another thread, you are difflecting from the gaa by using the whataboutery comparing a religious order with a so called all inclusive sporting body.

Fair enough about starting a new thread.

Wasp, the GAA is a nationalist organisation however, nobody is banned from the GAA because of religion, race, creed or political affiliation. Anybody can join. While i can see how it would not appeal to a loyalist, members of the PUL are not banned. That is fact.

It is highly offensive and shows deep rooted sectarianism to the core.

Nonsense. Wasp, i have played gaelic football and hurling from the age of 8 up till i was 16. I never once heard the word Republican, IRA, Catholic, Protestant, Unionist...ever mentioned. It was all about the sport. Nothing else.

Is it not true that several NI supporters clubs affiliated with the IFA have held events for loyalist dead? Does that mean that the IFA is sectarian to the core?

Too little too late as republican often say, those rules should never have been implemented in the first place and certainly should never been kept, they belong with the dinasaurs. But steps have been made but they are very very small ones and nowhere near acceptable to be classed as a modern day all inclusive sporting body.

Jeez, wasp. You just cant win. Even when they change its not good enough for ye guys. Can you not appreciate the massive strides it has made? I just find it incredible that you get into such a tizzy about the GAA yet you defend the OO till the bitter end. An organisation that vehemently promotes sectarianism under the guise of 'religious liberty'.

Republicans/nationalsits claimed they couldnt go to windsor park because of the name believing it was named after Royal family which it wasnt.

Somehow i dont believe that the reason they dont attend windsor is simply because of the name. Maybe im wrong. I dont remember the conversation you had with AFD

We had afd on here claiming he or people he knew had to pretend to be Prods when they went to windsor which is absolute bullshit.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least considering the personal account told to me by someone who was in Windsor the night of the Rep v NI world cup qualifier. The vitriolic sectarian hatred that was directed at him and his friends by NI supporters he said still haunts him. Absolutely disgusting!!

So when we have the cries about the single name of Windsor yet hear the same people refusing to budge on the names of terrorists, make claims gaa is for everybody, throw back answers about the OO instead of dealing with the subject on hand etc (not referring to you here, just the republican mindset) then it becomes very very very hypocritical.

I cant speak for republicans up north but I also see alot of hypocrisy from the loyalist side when i hear them cry foul at the GAA yet defend loyalist terrorists.

Bands have been banned from leading lodges because of a single flag nevermind the rest of what you claim.

The rest of what i claim regarding the OO contracting loyalist paramilitary bands that glorify terrorists, singing disgusting puerile anti catholic songs and insist on marching down routes that they know will offend the local Catholic community. You dispute these claims?

BTW, I will start up an OO thread but not tonight. Im tired. Sorry about the 'whatabout the OO' but i find them both to be very similar organisations and relevant to the argument at hand.

[Wasp]

It is as much a sporting body as the OO is a religious order. They can be compared in the sense that they are both supported by a vast amount of the community from which they come from.

The RC church played a big part in irish peoples lives but you couldnt compare them to the marching season, see my point.

Why does it upset you so much? You're not interested in the sport. They dont ban you from joining. They dont march through your neighbourhood.

gaa grounds are used to glorify terrorists, the same terrorists who caused much hurt and pain. Hearing there false claims about being for everyone is like listening to paisley saying he is not anti catholic. So if sporting grounds and tournaments dedicated to terrorists who say caused untold horrors in the republic were scattered throughout throughout the republic how would you feel? How would you feel about claims of inclusiveness say with grounds being named after the shankill butchers or dublin bombers etc?

But you do brandish the whole organisation, no??

The whole organisation for allowing such things.

Their 'liberties'? You mean their outdated belief that they can march any route they want and catholics have to put up with it!?

Thats twisting things, setanta summed up typical nationalist/republican thinking by saying not only would he support hamas supporters march in Dublin but he would also join them, then continued to say he would oppose his fellow irishmen and women from marching to celebrate their identity and culture which proves dinasuar thinking and sectarian hatred for their neighbours both north and south.

Wasp, the GAA is a nationalist organisation however, nobody is banned from the GAA because of religion, race, creed or political affiliation. Anybody can join. While i can see how it would not appeal to a loyalist, members of the PUL are not banned. That is fact.

Its a good way of stopping people from joining without applying any rules. Its like sporting grounds holding commemorations each year to hitler, naming grounds after hitler then saying jews are not banned from joining.

Nonsense. Wasp, i have played gaelic football and hurling from the age of 8 up till i was 16. I never once heard the word Republican, IRA, Catholic, Protestant, Unionist...ever mentioned. It was all about the sport. Nothing else.

Its far from nonesense, re read my opening post to see if its nonesense. I have relatives who play and I could not class them the same as the scum who glorify terrorists and even dress kids up like terrorists.

Is it not true that several NI supporters clubs affiliated with the IFA have held events for loyalist dead? Does that mean that the IFA is sectarian to the core?

What a moving of the goalposts, you are talking now about supporters clubs, we are talking about grounds and tournaments, even for children.

Jeez, wasp. You just cant win. Even when they change its not good enough for ye guys. Can you not appreciate the massive strides it has made?

Thats like me repeatedly punching you in the face, then saying ok I will do it only in the evenings and expect a pat on the back. Bottom line is if you are all inclusive, promote peace and are non sectarian then you would not allow any ground or tournamnet to be named after cowards who enjoyed dragging unarmed people from their beds and shooting them infront of their children or planting bombs to kill people doing their shopping.

I just find it incredible that you get into such a tizzy about the GAA yet you defend the OO till the bitter end. An organisation that vehemently promotes sectarianism under the guise of 'religious liberty'.

Again open another thread because your statement about the OO is wrong.

Somehow i dont believe that the reason they dont attend windsor is simply because of the name. Maybe im wrong. I dont remember the conversation you had with AFD

That was the reason gave, Jim was another who gave that reason saying it wasnt a welcoming place for nationalists etc with a name like that.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least considering the personal account told to me by someone who was in Windsor the night of the Rep v NI world cup qualifier. The vitriolic sectarian hatred that was directed at him and his friends by NI supporters he said still haunts him. Absolutely disgusting!!

Its bullshit, I have went with mixed company and no-one had to pretend anything or were asked anything. To do with your friend I think there are 2 sides to what happened but it is tragic that the hate spewed out and resulted in ordinary people being verbally abused. Dont forget the NI fans were voted the best in Europe so dont let a match like that or behaviour from a few tarnish the good name.

I cant speak for republicans up north but I also see alot of hypocrisy from the loyalist side when i hear them cry foul at the GAA yet defend loyalist terrorists.

I wont disagree, our problems are full of hypocricy.

The rest of what i claim regarding the OO contracting loyalist paramilitary bands that glorify terrorists, singing disgusting puerile anti catholic songs and insist on marching down routes that they know will offend the local Catholic community. You dispute these claims?

Yes, well at least in the way you have worded them

BTW, I will start up an OO thread but not tonight. Im tired. Sorry about the 'whatabout the OO' but i find them both to be very similar organisations and relevant to the argument at hand.

We will agree to disagree on this thread, we will battle on on the other but feel free to answer my points on this one as well.

[leeside]

Wasp, im not going to dissect all your statements as the context is being lost but i will make some points.

I agree that the GAA should distance itself from naming grounds and tournaments after dead paramilitaries if it wants to present itself as an inclusive sporting body. I can also understand how this would annoy you however i dont believe your comparisons are comparable as the Shankill Butchers were the most psychotic of all loyalists and the Dublin Bombings were the worst single tragedy of the entire troubles. Not every Republican paramilitary was a psycho in the same way not every loyalist paramilitary was a psycho.

The OO cannot simply hide behind the 'Religious Order' tag thus making it immune from criticism regarding its divisive sectarian nature and provocative intent. I've no doubt that there are genuinely decent members who are true 'Christians' in proper sense of the word but I have seen and heard with my very own eyes and ears something far removed from those principles by a large number of OO members. These are the type people i would refuse at the entrance of a pub not mind want marching through my neighbourhood.

You got to stop making comparisons between the The IRA and Hitler and the Prods with the Jews. Its ridiculous.

Wasp, what i think the main issue here is the lack of respect people in NI have for the opposing communities cultures. Its very evident from both sides.

[Wasp]

Wasp, im not going to dissect all your statements as the context is being lost but i will make some points.

Ok

I agree that the GAA should distance itself from naming grounds and tournaments after dead paramilitaries if it wants to present itself as an inclusive sporting body.

Good and I am genuinely glad to hear it.

I can also understand how this would annoy you however i dont believe your comparisons are comparable as the Shankill Butchers were the most psychotic of all loyalists and the Dublin Bombings were the worst single tragedy of the entire troubles. Not every Republican paramilitary was a psycho in the same way not every loyalist paramilitary was a psycho.

I completely disagree, whats worse 10 smaller atrocities or one big one?? Dont forget these terrorists that are glorified at gaa grounds were involved in much terrorist activity, being caught once doesnt mean they only ever did one terrorist related thing. One autopsy report of a man I know of stated his injuries were similar to that of someone being lowered into a bath of boiuling water. That is up there with the butchers and so is the kidnapping and torture of many young catholics by the ira where there mutilated bodies were dumped by the roadside.

The OO cannot simply hide behind the 'Religious Order' tag thus making it immune from criticism regarding its divisive sectarian nature and provocative intent.

They are not immune from criticism, far from it.

I've no doubt that there are genuinely decent members who are true 'Christians' in proper sense of the word but I have seen and heard with my very own eyes and ears something far removed from those principles by a large number of OO members. These are the type people i would refuse at the entrance of a pub not mind want marching through my neighbourhood.

Those you speak of who done wrong would be in the minority.

You got to stop making comparisons between the The IRA and Hitler and the Prods with the Jews. Its ridiculous.

I was only getting my point across, ok then glorifying bnp/nf members then saying blacks can join.

Wasp, what i think the main issue here is the lack of respect people in NI have for the opposing communities cultures. Its very evident from both sides.

It is and I couldnt agree more. Funny how in some areas catholics go to band parades but the focus of not wanting parades is always around the protests.

[leeside]

I completely disagree, whats worse 10 smaller atrocities or one big one?? Dont forget these terrorists that are glorified at gaa grounds were involved in much terrorist activity, being caught once doesnt mean they only ever did one terrorist related thing. One autopsy report of a man I know of stated his injuries were similar to that of someone being lowered into a bath of boiuling water. That is up there with the butchers and so is the kidnapping and torture of many young catholics by the ira where there mutilated bodies were dumped by the roadside.

My point is is that not every paramilitary was as evil as the next. Do you believe that every loyalist paramilitary was as bad as the shankill butchers?

[Wasp]

Put it this way it is pure evil to kill someone simply because of their religion, pure evil to target the security forces where many of them were unarmed and executed infront of their children, pure evil to torture someone because they disagree with you or you are suspicious of them, pure evil to plant bombs so that when people are fleeing from one bomb they run into the path of another, it is pure evil to try and justify such actions and answer back with ridiculous claims which are pie in the sky, pure evil to burn people from there homes, pure evil to attack people because of there religion or colour etc etc. Hope that covers what I am trying to say.

In recent months I went to the spot young Thomas Devlin was murdered and although it was a nice day the spot where he was killed felt ice cold. I went to see the family of a murdered RUC officer who was unarmed when he was killed infront of his elderly mum who was also shot trying to protect her son, not by accident but on purpose then she was kicked and punched in the face. I went to the spot of the Teebane massacre which again felt ice cold. Innocent people murdered because of there faith and their job and to think there are those including those that were on here would defend, excuse and refuse to condemn these murders is stomach turning.

[leeside]

Wasp, the GAA certainly has republican leanings but to say it's 'sectarian to the core' is complete nonsense. It does have members from the protestant community and has even had protestant presidents. Republican yes..sectarian no. All religions, races and creeds are welcome to join. It actively promotes cross community projects.

Cross-community outreach in Ulster

The GAA points out the role of members of minority religions in the association throughout its history. For example the Protestant Jack Boothman was president of the organisation from 1993 to 1997, while Sam Maguire was a Church of Ireland member. Nonetheless, to address concerns of unionists, the GAA's Ulster Council has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at making the association and Gaelic games more accessible to northern Protestants. In November 2008 the council launched a Community Development Unit which is responsible for "Diversity and Community Outreach initiatives".[94] The Cúchulainn Initiative is a cross-community program aimed at establishing teams consisting of Catholic and Protestant schoolchildren with no prior playing experience.[95] Cross-community teams such as the Belfast Cuchulainn under-16 hurling team have been established and gone on to compete at the Continental Youth Championship in America.[95] Similar hurling and Gaelic football teams have since emerged in Armagh, Fermanagh, Limavady.[96]

The ‘Game of three halves’ cross-community coaching initiative was established in predominantly Protestant east Belfast in 2006. Organised through Knock Presbyterian Church, this scheme brings GAA coaches to work alongside their soccer and rugby counterparts to involve primary school children at summer coaching camps.[97][98] The Ulster Council is also establishing cross-community football and hurling teams in schools and is developing links with the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Church of Ireland.[98] The Council has also undertaken a series of meetings with political parties and community groups who would have traditionally have had no involvement in the GAA.[98]


So, whats the OO doing for cross community relations?

[leeside]

Aug 24, 2011 23:46:27 GMT Wasp said:

Put it this way it is pure evil to kill someone simply because of their religion, pure evil to target the security forces where many of them were unarmed and executed infront of their children, pure evil to torture someone because they disagree with you or you are suspicious of them, pure evil to plant bombs so that when people are fleeing from one bomb they run into the path of another, it is pure evil to try and justify such actions and answer back with ridiculous claims which are pie in the sky, pure evil to burn people from there homes, pure evil to attack people because of there religion or colour etc etc. Hope that covers what I am trying to say.

In recent months I went to the spot young Thomas Devlin was murdered and although it was a nice day the spot where he was killed felt ice cold. I went to see the family of a murdered RUC officer who was unarmed when he was killed infront of his elderly mum who was also shot trying to protect her son, not by accident but on purpose then she was kicked and punched in the face. I went to the spot of the Teebane massacre which again felt ice cold. Innocent people murdered because of there faith and their job and to think there are those including those that were on here would defend, excuse and refuse to condemn these murders is stomach turning.

They are all tragic stories wasp but i still dont agree that all paramilitaries were equally evil. I dont mean that loyalists were worse than republicans, im saying that as individuals some were far worse than others within respective organisations. That is my point.

[Wasp]

Aug 25, 2011 21:40:54 GMT leeside said:

Wasp, the GAA certainly has republican leanings but to say it's 'sectarian to the core' is complete nonsense. It does have members from the protestant community and has even had protestant presidents. Republican yes..sectarian no. All religions, races and creeds are welcome to join. It actively promotes cross community projects.

Cross-community outreach in Ulster

The GAA points out the role of members of minority religions in the association throughout its history. For example the Protestant Jack Boothman was president of the organisation from 1993 to 1997, while Sam Maguire was a Church of Ireland member. Nonetheless, to address concerns of unionists, the GAA's Ulster Council has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at making the association and Gaelic games more accessible to northern Protestants. In November 2008 the council launched a Community Development Unit which is responsible for "Diversity and Community Outreach initiatives".[94] The Cúchulainn Initiative is a cross-community program aimed at establishing teams consisting of Catholic and Protestant schoolchildren with no prior playing experience.[95] Cross-community teams such as the Belfast Cuchulainn under-16 hurling team have been established and gone on to compete at the Continental Youth Championship in America.[95] Similar hurling and Gaelic football teams have since emerged in Armagh, Fermanagh, Limavady.[96]

The ‘Game of three halves’ cross-community coaching initiative was established in predominantly Protestant east Belfast in 2006. Organised through Knock Presbyterian Church, this scheme brings GAA coaches to work alongside their soccer and rugby counterparts to involve primary school children at summer coaching camps.[97][98] The Ulster Council is also establishing cross-community football and hurling teams in schools and is developing links with the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Church of Ireland.[98] The Council has also undertaken a series of meetings with political parties and community groups who would have traditionally have had no involvement in the GAA.[98]


So, whats the OO doing for cross community relations?

This is all nonesense, I have gave examples of why this is nonesense. They can claim all they want but its just airbrushing over the truth. You cant on the one hand claim to be cross community and all inclusive while some clubs and tournaments including for under 12s glorify and commemorate terrorists who murdered and maimed the other community.

I would like to think there are those within the gaa who are disgusted at such clubs and events. A few of the uda are catholic, same for the uvf and in particular the lvf where catholics are high ranking members so does that make them non sectarian and remember that the same groups made numerous statements that ordinary catholics have nothing to fear.