Every now and again in the North attempts are made to demonise the GAA by certain sections of the media and political groups who insist that GAA club names are something to be ashamed of. This has been usually met with a mixture of stout defence and from some quarters an acceptance that the GAA can do more to be more inclusive.
In reality though the names of clubs throughout the country are an astonishing achievement in themselves. To the best of my knowledge the names of GAA clubs are unparalleled anywhere in the world.
In this years All Ireland club finals, Crokes beat Watty Grahams and Shamrocks beat Cuchullainns. Local History, National Heroes, National pride, mythology, , Patriots, Saints, Martyrs and much much more. In English football you have City, Rovers, Town, Wanderers, Athletic. Bland meaningless stuff. In America you just pick a wild animal or something.. Its time to celebrate the History and heritage of our great names.
With Glen getting to the AIF I read up on who was Watty Graham? He was a Presbyterian Church elder from Maghera, Co Derry who was hanged in the COI rectory Maghera for his part in the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798.
I think we should post the stories and backgrounds of our famous club names and celebrate one of the things that makes our organisation truly great.
In reality though the names of clubs throughout the country are an astonishing achievement in themselves. To the best of my knowledge the names of GAA clubs are unparalleled anywhere in the world.
In this years All Ireland club finals, Crokes beat Watty Grahams and Shamrocks beat Cuchullainns. Local History, National Heroes, National pride, mythology, , Patriots, Saints, Martyrs and much much more. In English football you have City, Rovers, Town, Wanderers, Athletic. Bland meaningless stuff. In America you just pick a wild animal or something.. Its time to celebrate the History and heritage of our great names.
With Glen getting to the AIF I read up on who was Watty Graham? He was a Presbyterian Church elder from Maghera, Co Derry who was hanged in the COI rectory Maghera for his part in the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798.
I think we should post the stories and backgrounds of our famous club names and celebrate one of the things that makes our organisation truly great.