The below is taken from the BBC website. I think all workspaces should be neutral- no war memorials in Council chambers no pictures of the Enniskillen bomb victims-no GAA flags NOTHING-I bet we won't see Arlene Foster supporting this lady the way she and Lord Humpty Dumpty (Morrow) mouthed of about the picture in Enniskillen fire station
A civil servant has been ordered to remove a Tyrone GAA flag from her car after a complaint from a colleague in Strabane.
The incident happened on Wednesday, when her car was parked at the town's benefits office on Urney Road.
The Social Security Agency said it had taken the decision because of a legal duty to maintain a neutral workplace.
However, Aodhan Harkin, of Sigersons GAA Club in Strabane, said a Tyrone flag was in no way offensive.
"I thought we had started to move on in this country," he said.
"We accept everybody else's cultures but we can't accept our own.
"I think there's something drastically wrong if somebody's offended by a Tyrone flag."
ord Humpty Dumpty (Morrow) mouthed of about the picture in Enniskillen fire station
Quote from: Boolerhead Mel on September 12, 2008, 10:51:40 AM
The below is taken from the BBC website. I think all workspaces should be neutral- no war memorials in Council chambers no pictures of the Enniskillen bomb victims-no GAA flags NOTHING-I bet we won't see Arlene Foster supporting this lady the way she and Lord Humpty Dumpty (Morrow) mouthed of about the picture in Enniskillen fire station
So make up your mind. The complainant was either right or wrong, workplaces should be neutral or they shouldn't. Whats your point?
I wonder how much work she actually does in her car?
Ridiculous. Why someone would get offended by this is beyond me, though no doubt it happens.
some lad has a union jack hanging from his desk in my place, would people think this is ok? nobody here seems to bothered by it at all.
I have a NI football mousemat if we are having an amnesty
A lad in my old job had a Meath Screen saver >:( I complained but no one took me serious ! ;)
I have a Belgium flag flying from my desk. Should I hand that in too?
I can only think that it is related to the false reality that the tyrone flag is similar to the likes of a Tri-Colour/Union Jack and the Ulster Flag which I think show just how narrow minded SOME individuals are. We just have to rely on what darwin told us and let the theory of evolution do it's work :-\
Just to clarify my own opinion
I have absolutely no problem with ANY flag. I'm more concerned about the true motivations of the person carrying/displaying it. So I suppose on relfection....there could be a chance that this flag was being used TO OFFEND rather than simply someone innoncently displaying their allegiance to the team. Thats the important question here.
you're always going to get bitter c*nts like this!
a mate of mine had a jordanstown bag in his office at another firm and was called to the boss' office. he tried very much to hide it under the desk but was reported for it. his boss said she had no problem with it but someone else complained about it. apparenly the same woman talks about how great linfield are all day.
personally i think this kind of thing doesn't offend but the person who reports this kind of incident is petty.
I've been wearing all manner of Kerry polo shirts into work for the past fortnight and no ones said a dickie bird to me about it.
I think the real issue is the welfare of the staff, how over worked would you be working in a benefits office in Strabane ? :o
I grew a ginger beard and bleached my hair. Nobody has said anything but they have been pointing and laughing a lot.
So a Tyrone flag with its Red Hand is deemed offensive, but the person who complained probably wouldnt complain about the bastardised Ulster flag seen on thousands of lamp posts throughout NI. Sh*t like this makes my piss boil.
QuoteA civil servant has been ordered to remove a Tyrone GAA flag from her car after a complaint from a colleague in Strabane.
What the BBC report failed to report was that the complaint was made by an Armagh fan!
Quotea mate of mine had a jordanstown bag
So you can't bring a university related item into the office?
FFS the team is playing in an all Ireland final, if you cant hang the car flag out then, when can you??
There should be a law where the people who are complained about in these circumstances get to slap the complainer full force across the face, in front of a judge, who then tells then to feck away off and dont be silly.
NIFAN- you get a pass for your mouse mat- you've just got married, its important that there are still places in the world where you can have an opinion, (I'd be happier if it annoyed Tristan)
Ziggy- even Belgians don't hang Belgian flags, they're not even sure they still want to be a country
Donagh- you and representatives of 31 counties
In fact I'm starting to think that flags should get some sort of legal status where they cant be touched, however you may hang another flag in front of them- that way whatever dumb asses want to spend more money than the other dumbasses can go for it, I may want to buy a flag manufacturer before this happens though...
The worst case of this level of "offense taken" I ever heard was the boys wearing NI tops in I believe the Crown before a game.
Someone had spotted them on the webcam and had complained - the boys where made cover them up!
Quote from: nifan on September 12, 2008, 01:47:03 PM
The worst case of this level of "offense taken" I ever heard was the boys wearing NI tops in I believe the Crown before a game.
Someone had spotted them on the webcam and had complained - the boys where made cover them up!
Theres lots of pubs in Dublin that ban football tops of any kind.
yes hhn, but this place didnt have a ban. It only took action when somebody was offended via a webcam
If only it would work with the BBC ;)
Quote from: heganboy on September 12, 2008, 01:35:43 PM
Ziggy- even Belgians don't hang Belgian flags, they're not even sure they still want to be a country
explain then why most of Brussels have a belgian flag hanging from their balcony or stuck up in the window?? I saw them on the way to work everyday whil i was there (Feb - June)?
I think the flags and emblems legislation should be re-thought from a different angle completely. They could adopt the recommendation often used here when people complain about things they saw that they didn't like - if you don't like it don't look at it. Except take it all the way and instead of it being an offence to display a flag or emblem, it should be an offence to look at it. That would put an instant end to complaints like this.
As I posted on the GAA Board this morning a car went up the main street in Portadown this morning displaying a Tyrone flag. The driver thus achieved the unique scenario of uniting the entire community of Portadown, disgusting the town's overwhelming unionist population and its Armagh loving nationalist populace alike ;D
QuoteI think the real issue is the welfare of the staff, how over worked would you be working in a benefits office in Strabane ?
I was wondering how long it would take Minder to come up with another piece of his unique style of humour.
As for the Tyrone flag hanging from a car in a car-park, the person who complained is obviously a biggoted hoore and to say they were offended is pure rubbish. Strabane would be covered in the flags and I would say the Polish even understand it as a sporting flag. I wish whoever complained would just clear off as a town like Strabane would be 100% behind the Tyrone team and subsequent public support via flag or jersey. If the person doesn't like it they should clear back off to Newbuildings or Donemana and get up to their usual carry on.
Quote from: his holiness nb on September 12, 2008, 01:23:19 PM
FFS the team is playing in an all Ireland final, if you cant hang the car flag out then, when can you??
There should be a law where the people who are complained about in these circumstances get to slap the complainer full force across the face, in front of a judge, who then tells then to feck away off and dont be silly.
Thats not really the point. Republicans pushed hard for 'neutral workplaces' and it cuts both ways. Yes, giving out about a flag on a car is vexatious, but to the letter of the law the complainant is correct.
Neutral worplaces are not just about themmuns covering up their emblems.
Common sense should prevail. Its only a wee flag ffs, the person probably has kids who wanted it on the car. I can mind my parents putting all the gear on our car in 02 for my bro's & sis they all loved it. There's no alterior motive, no sinister attempt to offend anyone, its a wee flag sitting in a carpark (workplace???), if someone finds a problem with that then they need take a brave look at themselves. Some people just want to be offended.
It's pathetic. Straight from the Sammy Wilson book of mutual tolerance and accommodation.
Local sports teams should not be included in this concept, a person should be able to indicate their support for a team in their own area. The Celtic, Rangers tripe is largely about politics and not sport, but they are not local and they could be prohibited.
In recent years, Sein Fein has been at the forefront of attempts to "neutralise" [sic] every aspect of public life in NI, by insisting on the removal of any emblem which could be said to identify someone or somewhere with one side or the other.
Now it seems some sad little individual in Strabane, with nothing better to do, has taken them at their word and shoved it right back up them.
Now I can't condone the sort of pettiness which causes such people to be "offended" by something so ordinary as a Tyrone GAA flag, but neither can I refrain from laughing at SF and thinking "Hell slap it into them", either! :D
Meanwhile, on another day, "Strabane Woman"'s West Belfast counterpart, "Sweet Smelling Sean" has his 15 minutes of fame:
Boots pull union jack t-shirts after complaint
Andersonstown News
By Joe Diamond
A Boots store in Belfast city centre has asked its staff not to wear a union jack-style promotional t-shirts after complaints from a West Belfast shopper.
The West Belfast man made his complaint after seeing a member of staff wearing the t-shirt at the firm's flagship Donegall Place store.
Seán Reynolds said he made a complaint to a manager about the t-shirt, but did not feel it was taken seriously.
"I was in Boots to get my lunch and buy a bottle of after-shave," he told the Andersonstown News.
"I was planning to spend around £40, but when I saw that t-shirt I didn't buy anything.
"To be fair, it was blue and grey, there was no red on it, but it was still basically a union jack.
"I decided to make a complaint because in this day and age people are entitled to work in a neutral environment and this is just a blatantly sectarian symbol.
"I'm an easy-going fella, but I did find it offensive – and I'm only a customer.
"Who knows what it's like for the staff? In my own work we're always told we can't wear any kind of sectarian symbols, so why should Boots be any different?" he asked.
Seán added that when he spoke to a manager she told him the t-shirt was part of an advertising campaign.
A senior member of staff at the store said the t-shirts were part of an advertising campaign for the Dunhill designer range of men's fragrances.
"We value comments from all of our customers, but we are not in the business of causing offence, and as such we have asked the girls to change the t-shirts," he added.
http://www.belfastmedia.com/news_article.php?ID=2009
Maybe Sean has been attending Adult Education Classes organised by our Education Minister, Catriona Ruane?
Sinn Fein anger over B&Q emblem
Sinn Fein has criticised B&Q for putting an Olympic emblem, which includes a Union Jack, on its uniforms.
The DIY chain, which is sponsoring the Great Britain Olympic team, said individual workers could decide whether to wear the new work clothes or not.
However, Ms Ruane claimed those who chose not to could be subjected to "sectarian intimidation".
She said she had been contacted by "a number of staff members" who are unhappy about the uniforms.
"This decision is short-sighted and displays an ignorance of the very divisive nature of symbols in the north," the South Down assembly member said.
However, the DUP's Ian Paisley junior backed B&Q over the issue.
"I welcome the fact that B&Q are standing by their decision on this. I think it only reflects on Catriona Ruane," he said.
"Coming up to our Olympics in London, this is the sort of thing which has to be welcomed and encouraged."
A spokeswoman for B&Q said they were proud to support and sponsor the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Olympic team.
"All B&Q staff have the option of wearing this workwear or their normal B&Q uniform and every employee has complete freedom of choice in this matter," she said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5224280.stm
QuoteCommon sense should prevail. Its only a wee flag ffs, the person probably has kids who wanted it on the car. I can mind my parents putting all the gear on our car in 02 for my bro's & sis they all loved it. There's no alterior motive, no sinister attempt to offend anyone, its a wee flag sitting in a carpark (workplace???), if someone finds a problem with that then they need take a brave look at themselves. Some people just want to be offended.
Common sense is right - I have to pull my Tyrone flag down every time I drive along the Avenue Road and now I will have to do it in Strabane too.
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 12, 2008, 03:14:21 PM
It's pathetic. Straight from the Sammy Wilson book of mutual tolerance and accommodation.
But the workplace policy is one demanded by SF.....
It just goes to show 1 thing - both sides are as bad as each other ::)
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 03:21:06 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 12, 2008, 03:14:21 PM
It's pathetic. Straight from the Sammy Wilson book of mutual tolerance and accommodation.
But the workplace policy is one demanded by SF.....
Thats the second time you have talked about the workplace
Does she do any work in her car?
Does the offended do anywork in said car?
Is the car provided by her work?
Is it a private or Public carpark? Is the car park considered as a place of work? Are they allowed to work in their cars instead of at their desks?
how exactly does this contravene a neutral workplace policy.
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:28:57 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 03:21:06 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 12, 2008, 03:14:21 PM
It's pathetic. Straight from the Sammy Wilson book of mutual tolerance and accommodation.
But the workplace policy is one demanded by SF.....
Thats the second time you have talked about the workplace
Does she do any work in her car?
Does the offended do anywork in said car?
Is the car provided by her work?
Is it a private or Public carpark? Is the car park considered as a place of work? Are they allowed to work in their cars instead of at their desks?
how exactly does this contravene a neutral workplace policy.
Semantics. If someone put on e.g. a Rangers top to protect them from the rain when they nipped outside the office to have a smoke, would that be OK, since it is not actually in the office ("place of work")? Remember, other smokers who are required to vacate their "place of work" in order to light up would presumably be at risk of being "offended" by having to stand beside them, or else go further for their smoke and so get wetter. ::)
If there is only one car park, does that mean the complainant can park her car in the workplace instead? Or if some employees who were also Tyrone fans decided to put together a wee "Up Tyrone" display on the road just outside the actual workplace, would that be OK? What about the toilets or the canteen? Those are hardly a "place of work", but they are no less necessary to be used by every employee than e.g the car park.
Doubtless the complainant is a petty, small-minded cow, but her complaint is no less valid than any number of complaints made by the "other" side.
Back to you, Sinn Fein... ::)
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:28:57 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 03:21:06 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 12, 2008, 03:14:21 PM
It's pathetic. Straight from the Sammy Wilson book of mutual tolerance and accommodation.
But the workplace policy is one demanded by SF.....
Thats the second time you have talked about the workplace
Does she do any work in her car?
Does the offended do anywork in said car?
Is the car provided by her work?
Is it a private or Public carpark? Is the car park considered as a place of work? Are they allowed to work in their cars instead of at their desks?
how exactly does this contravene a neutral workplace policy.
what evil genius said.
no-one is disputing the petty nature of the claim, but thems are the rules that nationalist parties lobbied for.
so no answer to the question then
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 03:17:23 PM
In recent years, Sein Fein has been at the forefront of attempts to "neutralise" [sic] every aspect of public life in NI, by insisting on the removal of any emblem which could be said to identify someone or somewhere with one side or the other.
Now it seems some sad little individual in Strabane, with nothing better to do, has taken them at their word and shoved it right back up them.
Now I can't condone the sort of pettiness which causes such people to be "offended" by something so ordinary as a Tyrone GAA flag, but neither can I refrain from laughing at SF and thinking "Hell slap it into them", either! :D
Rubbish, SF have been at the forefront of no such thing. If you actually go and read what their policies are you will see that their preference is for the flags and emblems of both cultural traditions to be used side by side to promote inclusivity. However, as unionists have been reluctant to give up their old supremacist notions and display respect to their neighbours, the only option left was to take their toys away from them until they learn the lesson. The 'neutral' workplaces we have now are a direct result of decades of unionist bigotry, intimidation and intolerance.
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 03:17:23 PM
"To be fair, it was blue and grey, there was no red on it, but it was still basically a union jack.
"I decided to make a complaint because in this day and age people are entitled to work in a neutral environment and this is just a blatantly sectarian symbol.
It was still basically a Union Jack indeed, did someone try to tell this gent that Union Jack's are not the preserve of the UK and actually are a
type of Flag, so in this case his pettiness was misplaced - Pedantic on my part I know but Tit for tat pettiness drives me fackin nuts.
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
Are you blind? I answered your question. In order to enjoy the same right to work "unoffended" as everyone else, an employee must have access to the same ancillliary facilities as everyone else, in a non-threatening or divisive setting.
Otherwise, those intent on flouting the law would do so by avoiding displaying contentious emblems etc in the workplace itself, but concentrate on other areas - e.g. canteen, toilets, smoking area, steps to the building etc. Oh, and car park.
There is more than one way (location) for demonstrating that somewhere is a "Loyalist" or "Republican" workplace, than merely putting a flag on your desk...
You'd be surprised how petty people can be
I remember when working in Dunnes in Magherafelt in 2000 - a woman wouldn't buy a box of Kellogg's Cornflakes because there was a shamrock on it indicating that Kellogg's was the official cereal sponsor of the Irish Olympic team.
She asked me to go out to the store and find a box that didn't have one.
Fortunately for her - we had a case of boxes that had Union Jacks on them - indicating they were the official cereal sponsor of the British team.
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
Rubbish, SF have been at the forefront of no such thing.
Aye, right... ::)
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
If you actually go and read what their policies are you will see that their preference is for the flags and emblems of both cultural traditions to be used side by side to promote inclusivity. However, as unionists have been reluctant to give up their old supremacist notions and display respect to their neighbours, the only option left was to take their toys away from them until they learn the lesson. The 'neutral' workplaces we have now are a direct result of decades of unionist bigotry, intimidation and intolerance.
Simple question, then. As a supporter of SF's policy on this matter, do you agree with the Strabane complainant in this instance, or do you think she is out of order?
Sad news indeed, especially when you consider in 2003 and 2005 the local Unionist MLA said he like seeing the Tinnies dressed up in the Tyrone colours. What happened in them short years?
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 04:07:44 PM
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
Rubbish, SF have been at the forefront of no such thing.
Aye, right... ::)
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 03:57:57 PM
If you actually go and read what their policies are you will see that their preference is for the flags and emblems of both cultural traditions to be used side by side to promote inclusivity. However, as unionists have been reluctant to give up their old supremacist notions and display respect to their neighbours, the only option left was to take their toys away from them until they learn the lesson. The 'neutral' workplaces we have now are a direct result of decades of unionist bigotry, intimidation and intolerance.
Simple question, then. As a supporter of SF's policy on this matter, do you agree with the Strabane complainant in this instance, or do you think she is out of order?
Where did I say I was a supporter of anything? All I was doing was slapping down another one of your spiteful rants and flushing the verbal diarrhea that spews from your keyboard from our screens. The lack of any real challenge in doing so does become very tiresome though, you should get a new line or maybe go back to school for a year or two.
We've hit a new low, common sense has been eradicated from this statelet :'(
The only way this could get any worse is if someone takes offense to a wear your poppy with pride sticker on a car window ::)
In fairness though, what pissed me off more reading yesterdays Herald was the one sided reporting of the homecoming being in Healy Park and the "Omagh Community" being outraged that it isn't in the town centre
The pettyness of this complaint is nearly as pathetic as trying to blame Sinn fein for it.
(http://www.emat-tucson.org/Belgium/Pictures/BelgiumFlag.gif)
The problem is "neutral" is a moving target.
The person who did this probably did so because someone had stopped them wearing a rangers shirt, which someone had done because they had been told to remove a tricolour, because someone was asked not to wear their rebok trainers etc etc.
Pettiness is all round, and the satisfaction of some when the "other sides" emblems are deemed offensive is the most offensive thing about it.
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 04:18:23 PM
Where did I say I was a supporter of anything?
OK, I'll try again. Are you a supporter of SF's policy on such matters? If so, do you agree with the Strabane woman's complaint in this instance, or do you think she is out of order?
Quote from: Donagh on September 12, 2008, 04:18:23 PM
All I was doing was slapping down another one of your spiteful rants and flushing the verbal diarrhea that spews from your keyboard from our screens. The lack of any real challenge in doing so does become very tiresome though, you should get a new line or maybe go back to school for a year or two.
Your attempt to distract attention* from the discomfort you must presumably be feeling on this topic actually only serves to draw attention to it. You try this sort of tactic all the time when in a fix; it has become oh-so-predictable as to have lost any effectiveness.
As has your usual follow-up tactic of coming over all aggrieved that someone should point this out, presumably in the hope that by taking the thread futher along a tangent, your original weak (non)response will be forgotten entirely.
* - i.e by abusing me personally, rather than refuting my point
Quote from: ziggysego on September 12, 2008, 04:14:12 PM
Sad news indeed, especially when you consider in 2003 and 2005 the local Unionist MLA said he like seeing the Tinnies dressed up in the Tyrone colours. What happened in them short years?
I think we must assume that the Unionist MLA and the Strabane women are two different people, possibly even from two different planets? ;)
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 04:36:30 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on September 12, 2008, 04:14:12 PM
Sad news indeed, especially when you consider in 2003 and 2005 the local Unionist MLA said he like seeing the Tinnies dressed up in the Tyrone colours. What happened in them short years?
I think we must assume that the Unionist MLA and the Strabane women are two different people, possibly even from two different planets? ;)
Yeah. Dated a Strabane girl for a while..... was scarey lol
You sure it wasn't Pat Spillane in Strabane doing a bit of shopping, took offense to the afforementioned flag? ;D
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
What AFR really means is that he didn't get an answer he liked... ;)
Oh well, we must assume he got the answer he deserved, since he has failed to come back again... :D
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
What AFR really means is that he didn't get an answer he liked... ;)
Oh well, we must assume he got the answer he deserved, since he has failed to come back again... :D
whom are you talking about didn't come back???
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
lets see
The question(s) asked where
Does she do any work in her car?Does the offended do anywork in said car?Is the car provided by her work?Is it a private or Public carpark? Is the car park considered as a place of work? Are they allowed to work in their cars instead of at their desks?None of which have been answered, hardly surprising, as no admits on here to working in said environment
then we had
how exactly does this contravene a neutral workplace policy?and the "answer" consisted of 5 questions of whatabouterry , a tepid attempt to agree with the describing it as pettyness but defending the action , and the word "Semantics". - a pretty standard response from said poster, and no indication what so ever of what policy or law had been broken. This is on top of an obtuse reference to a scenario in a chemists shop in belfast when a customer, not an employee, made a complaint.
All in all technically devoid of substance
<insert gap for later quotation to allow for lame personal comback based on text above>
An answer, would consist of say, A reference to the policy document, the policy itself and maybe if generous, an outline of how the scenario in strabane could have broken the rules.
But with "answers" like these who needs enemies, enjoy your circle......
Quote from: KCGaelicFootball on September 12, 2008, 05:38:52 PM
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
What AFR really means is that he didn't get an answer he liked... ;)
Oh well, we must assume he got the answer he deserved, since he has failed to come back again... :D
whom are you talking about didn't come back???
AFR (An Fear Rua).
I hope it's the "American" in you, and not the "Irish", which makes you so obtuse*.
* - No relation of George Dubya, by any chance?
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:48:08 PM
Quote from: KCGaelicFootball on September 12, 2008, 05:38:52 PM
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
What AFR really means is that he didn't get an answer he liked... ;)
Oh well, we must assume he got the answer he deserved, since he has failed to come back again... :D
whom are you talking about didn't come back???
AFR (An Fear Rua)
ah ha ok then.
reading through this it seems some people will use any occasion to have a go at sinn fein
Quote from: armaghniac on September 12, 2008, 03:16:34 PM
Local sports teams should not be included in this concept, a person should be able to indicate their support for a team in their own area. The Celtic, Rangers tripe is largely about politics and not sport, but they are not local and they could be prohibited.
Bullshit. A line has to be drawn and that should be included in local sports. Sadly we are a bit away from mutual tolerance. Linfield and Donegal Cletic are local teams and I would not want that crap in my workplace. The SSA is right to ban all flags and emblems from the workplace, as should any employer.
Quote from: Boolerhead Mel on September 12, 2008, 10:51:40 AM
The below is taken from the BBC website. I think all workspaces should be neutral- no war memorials in Council chambers no pictures of the Enniskillen bomb victims-no GAA flags NOTHING-I bet we won't see Arlene Foster supporting this lady the way she and Lord Humpty Dumpty (Morrow) mouthed of about the picture in Enniskillen fire station
A civil servant has been ordered to remove a Tyrone GAA flag from her car after a complaint from a colleague in Strabane.
The incident happened on Wednesday, when her car was parked at the town's benefits office on Urney Road.
The Social Security Agency said it had taken the decision because of a legal duty to maintain a neutral workplace.
However, Aodhan Harkin, of Sigersons GAA Club in Strabane, said a Tyrone flag was in no way offensive.
"I thought we had started to move on in this country," he said.
"We accept everybody else's cultures but we can't accept our own.
"I think there's something drastically wrong if somebody's offended by a Tyrone flag."
Ordered by who to take it down? ::). No one would have legal right to order to take it off, its not on the list of illegal flags. The car is her property. So i would just of said f*ck off with pleasure to whoever asked me to take it down ;D.
Whenever i worked in a large department store, my assistant manager complained to my manager because i had brought the irish news into work.
How bigotted is that??!!
Quote from: SLIGONIAN on September 12, 2008, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: Boolerhead Mel on September 12, 2008, 10:51:40 AM
The below is taken from the BBC website. I think all workspaces should be neutral- no war memorials in Council chambers no pictures of the Enniskillen bomb victims-no GAA flags NOTHING-I bet we won't see Arlene Foster supporting this lady the way she and Lord Humpty Dumpty (Morrow) mouthed of about the picture in Enniskillen fire station
A civil servant has been ordered to remove a Tyrone GAA flag from her car after a complaint from a colleague in Strabane.
The incident happened on Wednesday, when her car was parked at the town's benefits office on Urney Road.
The Social Security Agency said it had taken the decision because of a legal duty to maintain a neutral workplace.
However, Aodhan Harkin, of Sigersons GAA Club in Strabane, said a Tyrone flag was in no way offensive.
"I thought we had started to move on in this country," he said.
"We accept everybody else's cultures but we can't accept our own.
"I think there's something drastically wrong if somebody's offended by a Tyrone flag."
Ordered by who to take it down? ::). No one would have legal right to order to take it off, its not on the list of illegal flags. The car is her property. So i would just of said f*ck off with pleasure to whoever asked me to take it down ;D.
And the car-park is government property which is bound by flags and emblems legislation.
If the carpark is provided by the government and is thus part of the workplace, I don't see how it doesn't come under this legislation, at least as I understand it having read this thread.
Petty in the extreme, but this is what happens when a society has to try to accommodate at-odds groups who take offense at every little symbol displayed by the other. Its like the prohibition on religious symbols in public property in the US - the approach seems to be that it is better to have none at all than to give implicit approval to one at the expense of others. Of course, this irks many people, particularly christians who want to have their symbols recognized but would be up in arms if an islamic or wiccan display was allowed also.
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:48:08 PM
Quote from: KCGaelicFootball on September 12, 2008, 05:38:52 PM
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 12, 2008, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
What AFR really means is that he didn't get an answer he liked... ;)
Oh well, we must assume he got the answer he deserved, since he has failed to come back again... :D
whom are you talking about didn't come back???
AFR (An Fear Rua).
I hope it's the "American" in you, and not the "Irish", which makes you so obtuse*.
* - No relation of George Dubya, by any chance?
Obtuse? I am not. I am also not related to that idiot in office now.
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 05:47:38 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on September 12, 2008, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: An Fear Rua on September 12, 2008, 03:57:14 PM
so no answer to the question then
you have gotten an answer.
petty, but technically correct.
lets see
The question(s) asked where
Does she do any work in her car?
Does the offended do anywork in said car?
Is the car provided by her work?
Is it a private or Public carpark? Is the car park considered as a place of work? Are they allowed to work in their cars instead of at their desks?
None of which have been answered, hardly surprising, as no admits on here to working in said environment
then we had
how exactly does this contravene a neutral workplace policy?
and the "answer" consisted of 5 questions of whatabouterry , a tepid attempt to agree with the describing it as pettyness but defending the action , and the word "Semantics". - a pretty standard response from said poster, and no indication what so ever of what policy or law had been broken. This is on top of an obtuse reference to a scenario in a chemists shop in belfast when a customer, not an employee, made a complaint.
All in all technically devoid of substance
<insert gap for later quotation to allow for lame personal comback based on text above>
An answer, would consist of say, A reference to the policy document, the policy itself and maybe if generous, an outline of how the scenario in strabane could have broken the rules.
But with "answers" like these who needs enemies, enjoy your circle......
Whats the circle. Not one person has defended the complaint. All thats being said is thait appears she is well within her rights to complain about this. Thats a stupid situation, but that is the one that people who work in the 6 counties find themselves in.
There has been a number of petty complaints, from both sides. That is all.
If you chose to go off on one because people say that, all you are doing is fullfilling the sterotype of the whining nordie.
If you chose to go off on one because people say that, all you are doing is fullfilling the sterotype of the whining nordie.
A Unionist MLA was on the BBC News complaining about the Tyrone flag and how symbolism shouldn't be flown or displayed.
He was wearing a Norn Iron coat in the interview.
The irony of all this was that Derek Hussey ( unionost councillor on Strabane DC) turned up for the TV interview wearing a Northern Ireland Jacket.
I would hope that the Urney Road would now be plastered in red and white flags so the person who made this petty complaint can be reminded every morning and evening they go to and from work !
Just as a matter of interest, if a red and white flag is deemed offensive, would the 'wear your poppy with pride' badges also be considered offensive ?
Quote from: ziggysego on September 12, 2008, 07:53:59 PM
A Unionist MLA was on the BBC News complaining about the Tyrone flag and how symbolism shouldn't be flown or displayed.
That is typical. No surprise there.
He was wearing a Norn Iron coat in the interview.
Quote from: ziggysego on September 12, 2008, 07:53:59 PM
A Unionist MLA was on the BBC News complaining about the Tyrone flag and how symbolism shouldn't be flown or displayed.
He was wearing a Norn Iron coat in the interview.
If the jacket was hanging on a clothesline it would of been a different story ;)
Quote from: Bensars on September 12, 2008, 07:58:43 PM
The irony of all this was that Derek Hussey ( unionost councillor on Strabane DC) turned up for the TV interview wearing a Northern Ireland Jacket.
I would hope that the Urney Road would now be plastered in red and white flags so the person who made this petty complaint can be reminded every morning and evening they go to and from work !
Just as a matter of interest, if a red and white flag is deemed offensive, would the 'wear your poppy with pride' badges also be considered offensive ?
It would appear so.
Think this is political correctness gone mad. One compliant and action is taken. All it takes is for ONE bitter twisted individual on political crusade to effect change in a workforce of 100's.
Was it not in Strabane again in 2005 that a member of the public complained about a Tyrone flag on a fire brigade or fire station. ( i could be wrong)
it was me >:( i made the complaint. dont be bringing them flags down to dublin either, the future is green and gold
What bullshit but then when you see some of the bullshit on this thread it's hardly surprising.
Petty and mean spirited complaint born out of the politics of envy. Sporting flags and emblems should not be equated with political flags and emblems, except for Celtic and Rangers tops which have a bitter sectarian history and potential to cause trouble. One further question, is Stormont a neutral workplace, with all the Unionist emblems such as Carsons Statue, would our Unionist friends wish to see them removed as they are much more political than a County Flag.
Quote from: Pangurban on September 12, 2008, 10:28:48 PM
Petty and mean spirited complaint born out of the politics of envy. Sporting flags and emblems should not be equated with political flags and emblems, except for Celtic and Rangers tops which have a bitter sectarian history and potential to cause trouble. One further question, is Stormont a neutral workplace, with all the Unionist emblems such as Carsons Statue, would our Unionist friends wish to see them removed as they are much more political than a County Flag.
Is Belfast City hall neutral???
Perhaps she could contact David Miller from Strathclyde University to discuss the incident. Be interesting to hear his take on the matter, given that he deemed the Red Hand a sectarian symbol, complained and obtained a BBC apology over its use.
If someone came to my place of work with a Tyrone flag, I'd be most offended. I'd probably burn the car.
This is what I'd want to see
http://www.celticbadges.com/csc/246.jpg
Quote from: iluvni on September 12, 2008, 11:09:47 PM
Perhaps she could contact David Miller from Strathclyde University to discuss the incident. Be interesting to hear his take on the matter, given that he deemed the Red Hand a sectarian symbol, complained and obtained a BBC apology over its use.
Mope
Quote from: the green man on September 12, 2008, 11:21:32 PM
If someone came to my place of work with a Tyrone flag, I'd be most offended. I'd probably burn the car.
This is what I'd want to see
http://www.celticbadges.com/csc/246.jpg
Are you busy in the car wash ;)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 12, 2008, 11:24:49 PM
Quote from: iluvni on September 12, 2008, 11:09:47 PM
Perhaps she could contact David Miller from Strathclyde University to discuss the incident. Be interesting to hear his take on the matter, given that he deemed the Red Hand a sectarian symbol, complained and obtained a BBC apology over its use.
Mope
He certainly was.
A lot of people are missing the point here when they are discussing this. Sporting emblems have as big a capacity to cause grief in the workplace as the old sectarian arguments here. There are some very deep rivalries over the water which could really sour a working environment eg Birmingham/Villa, Newcastle/Sunderland, Man Utd/Man City and a host of others. All clubs right next door to each other were supporters are likely to work together, and with fans with a reputation of kicking the crap out of eachother at derby games. As far as I am aware there are bitter rivalries in the Eircom League as well. What would the argument be for differentiating between clubs or sports? The only sensible solution is a total ban.
As for Derek Hussey wearing an NI coat, he wasn't exactly in the workplace (apart from his own) so that argument is nothing short pathetic. The case of the poppy has been ran past the Equality Commission but if anyone takes offence to it they are free to put in a complaint.
QuoteA lot of people are missing the point here when they are discussing this. Sporting emblems have as big a capacity to cause grief in the workplace as the old sectarian arguments here. There are some very deep rivalries over the water which could really sour a working environment eg Birmingham/Villa, Newcastle/Sunderland, Man Utd/Man City and a host of others. All clubs right next door to each other were supporters are likely to work together, and with fans with a reputation of kicking the crap out of eachother at derby games. As far as I am aware there are bitter rivalries in the Eircom League as well. What would the argument be for differentiating between clubs or sports? The only sensible solution is a total ban.
Well as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked in by a fellow gaa fan for having a flag on their car so what's your point?
The only answer to this incident isthat some bitter **** has nothing better to do and those on here defending him are showing themselves up to be just the same.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:09:38 AM
QuoteA lot of people are missing the point here when they are discussing this. Sporting emblems have as big a capacity to cause grief in the workplace as the old sectarian arguments here. There are some very deep rivalries over the water which could really sour a working environment eg Birmingham/Villa, Newcastle/Sunderland, Man Utd/Man City and a host of others. All clubs right next door to each other were supporters are likely to work together, and with fans with a reputation of kicking the crap out of eachother at derby games. As far as I am aware there are bitter rivalries in the Eircom League as well. What would the argument be for differentiating between clubs or sports? The only sensible solution is a total ban.
Well as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked in by a fellow gaa fan for having a flag on their car so what's your point?
The only answer to this incident isthat some bitter c**t has nothing better to do and those on here defending him are showing themselves up to be just the same.
I don't see anyone defending whoever made the complaint. I am defending the concept of a neutral working environment. That is not the same thing - it is what protects us from bitter wee c***ts from the nationalist and unionist communities taking offence at every available opportunity.
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
A neutral working environment is fine (though it's not something I agree with) but something like this takes it to the absoloute extreme - and it's a case of some bitter **** hiding behind a law to be a ****.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:27:28 AM
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
A neutral working environment is fine (though it's not something I agree with) but something like this takes it to the absoloute extreme - and it's a case of some bitter c**t hiding behind a law to be a c**t.
Point it out where I have defended him genius.
Where I work, their are people with Northern Ireland soccer emblems on their jackets. No one cares, as it should be.
Quote from: ziggysego on September 13, 2008, 11:33:02 AM
Where I work, their are people with Northern Ireland soccer emblems on their jackets. No one cares, as it should be.
Nail on head there Ziggy. We should be in a position where we can respect each-others beliefs, but we are not in certain cases. I would personally be all for the display of sporting insignia and
good natured banter but some people are not good natured and probably never will be. The fact that some of the most intolerant people I have ever came across are branding others bitter c***ts is putting a wry smile on my face. :)
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 11:33:01 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:27:28 AM
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
A neutral working environment is fine (though it's not something I agree with) but something like this takes it to the absoloute extreme - and it's a case of some bitter c**t hiding behind a law to be a c**t.
Point it out where I have defended him genius.
Read the thread.
QuoteThe fact that some of the most intolerant people I have ever came across are branding others bitter c***ts is putting a wry smile on my face. Smiley
Are you talkingabout me? There are an awful lotof people I'm intolerant towards but it isn't on the base of religon/political opinion or what sport the like so what's you're point?
i lost my car flag yesterday- f**king raging. It cost me a fiver, retraced my route and no sign of it. Think some c**t must have swiped it. You go over 30 mph and you are screwed. FYI it had been flying proudly (untouched and not offending anyone) since the Wexford game over here.
RIP lil flag
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:47:07 AM
Read the thread.
I have done. I want you to quote where I defended whoever made the complaint.
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:47:07 AM
Read the thread.
I have done. I want you to quote where I defended whoever made the complaint.
You defended the "neutral working environment" which is the same thing.
So rather than the thread get bogged down with this just answer the simple question - do you think the person complained was/is a bitter ****? Yes or no?
And when you answer that you can answer my last question
QuoteAre you talkingabout me? There are an awful lotof people I'm intolerant towards but it isn't on the base of religon/political opinion or what sport the like so what's you're point?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:57:32 AM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:47:07 AM
Read the thread.
I have done. I want you to quote where I defended whoever made the complaint.
You defended the "neutral working environment" which is the same thing.
So rather than the thread get bogged down with this just answer the simple question - do you think the person complained was/is a bitter c**t? Yes or no?
And when you answer that you can answer my last question
QuoteAre you talkingabout me? There are an awful lotof people I'm intolerant towards but it isn't on the base of religon/political opinion or what sport the like so what's you're point?
A neutral working environment is the same thing- ooooooookkkaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy......
Question 1 yes.
Question 2 yes.
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 11:59:53 AM
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
What's your problem ffs?
sk
Quote
Question 1 yes.
Fair enough.
QuoteQuestion 2 yes.
I asked what your point was and you say yes? ???
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 11:59:53 AM
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
What's your problem ffs?
sk
Quote
Question 1 yes.
Fair enough.
QuoteQuestion 2 yes.
I asked what your point was and you say yes? ???
You come across as very intolerant and bitter yourself.
this "i dint like your flag, take it down" has a habit of getting out of hand. We had the same sort of thing in work, it ended up with complaints being made about a type of jeans which had the shape of the union jack on it, but not the colours, it was ridiculous
Quote from: Square Ball on September 13, 2008, 12:05:40 PM
this "i dint like your flag, take it down" has a habit of getting out of hand. We had the same sort of thing in work, it ended up with complaints being made about a type of jeans which had the shape of the union jack on it, but not the colours, it was ridiculous
It is ridiculous most times, but because of ridiculous people a line has to be drawn and enforced or we end up listening to whiney bastards whining all the time.
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 11:59:53 AM
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
What's your problem ffs?
sk
Quote
Question 1 yes.
Fair enough.
QuoteQuestion 2 yes.
I asked what your point was and you say yes? ???
You come across as very intolerant and bitter yourself.
In what way?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:09:54 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 11:59:53 AM
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
What's your problem ffs?
sk
Quote
Question 1 yes.
Fair enough.
QuoteQuestion 2 yes.
I asked what your point was and you say yes? ???
You come across as very intolerant and bitter yourself.
In what way?
One example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 11:59:53 AM
QuoteWell as bad as Tyronies are I don't recall any incidents of them anyone getting their head kicked
At times pints you can be an asshole.
What's your problem ffs?
sk
Quote
Question 1 yes.
Fair enough.
QuoteQuestion 2 yes.
I asked what your point was and you say yes? ???
"As bad as Tyronies are". What does that mean?
POG and SK you two are worse than the 5yr old children i teach-WISE UP.
The pair of you are annoying my happiness FFS >:(
Surely the bigger issue here is how do we stop car flags from flying off???? :-\
QuoteOne example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
No. I probably said it was good enough for the fan if he was giving Brennan abuse which he was widely reported to have been at the time.
I also think Cantona was right when he karate kicked yon p***k that was giving him abuse too so by dislike isnt for Ulster Rugby fans, it's for silly c***ts that go to any sporting event to shout abuse at players and who think they are hard men.
red
Quote"As bad as Tyronies are". What does that mean?
ffs red it was tongue in cheek! I know there are a unreal amount of posters on this board who can't tell when someone is joking but I didn't think you were one of them.
What's wrong with you, is it nerves? ;)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:20:46 PM
QuoteOne example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
No. I probably said it was good enough for the fan if he was giving Brennan abuse which he was widely reported to have been at the time.
I also think Cantona was right when he karate kicked yon p***k that was giving him abuse too so by dislike isnt for Ulster Rugby fans, it's for silly c***ts that go to any sporting event to shout abuse at players and who think they are hard men.
red
Quote"As bad as Tyronies are". What does that mean?
ffs red it was tongue in cheek! I know there are a unreal amount of posters on this board who can't tell when someone is joking but I didn't think you were one of them.
What's wrong with you, is it nerves? ;)
Was it f**k. It was alleged by a few but never widely reported.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:20:46 PM
QuoteOne example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
No. I probably said it was good enough for the fan if he was giving Brennan abuse which he was widely reported to have been at the time.
I also think Cantona was right when he karate kicked yon p***k that was giving him abuse too so by dislike isnt for Ulster Rugby fans, it's for silly c***ts that go to any sporting event to shout abuse at players and who think they are hard men.
red
Quote"As bad as Tyronies are". What does that mean?
ffs red it was tongue in cheek! I know there are a unreal amount of posters on this board who can't tell when someone is joking but I didn't think you were one of them.
What's wrong with you, is it nerves? ;)
Fair enough pints and no nerves here. I'd say your own are more nrevous than we are ;)
Quote from: maggie on September 13, 2008, 12:19:25 PM
POG and SK you two are worse than the 5yr old children i teach-WISE UP.
The pair of you are annoying my happiness FFS >:(
Surely the bigger issue here is how do we stop car flags from flying off???? :-\
Dont park your car in a DHSS car park? ;)
Quote from: reddgnhand on September 13, 2008, 12:23:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:20:46 PM
QuoteOne example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
No. I probably said it was good enough for the fan if he was giving Brennan abuse which he was widely reported to have been at the time.
I also think Cantona was right when he karate kicked yon p***k that was giving him abuse too so by dislike isnt for Ulster Rugby fans, it's for silly c***ts that go to any sporting event to shout abuse at players and who think they are hard men.
red
Quote"As bad as Tyronies are". What does that mean?
ffs red it was tongue in cheek! I know there are a unreal amount of posters on this board who can't tell when someone is joking but I didn't think you were one of them.
What's wrong with you, is it nerves? ;)
Fair enough pints and no nerves here. I'd say your own are more nrevous than we are ;)
Couldn't care less, I'm more worried about an intermediate quarter final tomorrow.
sk
QuoteWas it f**k. It was alleged by a few but never widely reported.
Whatever. Fact is I said he was right if the fan abused him, if he didn't then it's brennan that needs the slapping.
Now that I have explained my position are you going to withdraw your allegation?
its the same old pc argument isnt it? the fact is you'll have grumpy bitter fcukwitts on either side always moaning so the only solution is to ban all symbols sad as that is...
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:27:28 AM
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
Where have I defended the person who made the complaint? ::)
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 13, 2008, 03:35:34 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:27:28 AM
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
Where have I defended the person who made the complaint? ::)
So answer the same question I asked Sk.
Do you think the person who made the complaint was just bieng a bitter ****?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 12:20:46 PM
QuoteOne example - was it not you who thought it was good enough for Trevor Brennan to gub an Ulster Rugby fan, just because he was an Ulster Rugby Fan?
No. I probably said it was good enough for the fan if he was giving Brennan abuse which he was widely reported to have been at the time.
I also think Cantona was right when he karate kicked yon p***k that was giving him abuse too so by dislike isnt for Ulster Rugby fans, it's for silly c***ts that go to any sporting event to shout abuse at players and who think they are hard men.
Disingenuous, if not downright deceitful. The simple fact is that Brennan, a 16 stone, gym-pumped athlete, jumped into the crowd and punched a man sitting down, inflicting severe injuries.
The victim's friends/neighbours insisted he had done nothing to provoke Brennan. Whereas Brennan and/or his friends & family insisted he had been verbally provoked, firstly in a sectarian manner (later withdrawn, since there was no evidence whatever), then in a personal manner.
Until the facts were established, either might have been the case, yet you automatically took Brennan's side over that of an Ulster rugby fan, despite the fact that (former bouncer) Brennan has one of the worst records in professional rugby for unprovoked violence, including punching an Ireland team-mate on tour in SA and leaving the field to punch a middle-aged Edinburgh Physio who was treating a player on the side of the pitch. And his record of causing fights with opponents was so bad as effectively to have ended his Ireland career before the Ulster incident.
Consequently, the IRB enquiry totally vindicated the Ulster fan (who successfully sued newspapers for defamation for repeating the sort of crap you spewed) and banned Brennan from rugby for life.
Of course, since then, we haven't heard a peep from you to acknowledge that you were completely wrong in your presumption of guilt when choosing between an Ulsterman and a known thug. That suggests to me - if further proof were needed - that you are nothing more than a bigot, who views events from a position of naked prejudice (literally).
P.S. Even if Bamford
had shouted obscenities etc at Brennan, that would still not justifiy responding to verbal assault with extreme physical assault, which says a lot about your lack of ethics when it comes to violence, too.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 03:37:08 PM
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 13, 2008, 03:35:34 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 11:27:28 AM
You've defended him throughout this thread SK, so has evil genius which speak volumes about you both.
Where have I defended the person who made the complaint? ::)
So answer the same question I asked Sk.
Do you think the person who made the complaint was just bieng a bitter c**t?
My reaction to this incident should be clear to any reasonable, intelligent person who has read my posts, but seeing as you seem to be deficient in at least one of those two respects, I shall make my position clear.
Namely, I don't know enough about the complainant to say he/she was definitely a "****", but certainly petty and antagonistic, probably bitter, and clearly to be condemned forthrightly for abusing an otherwise well-intentioned piece of legislation, which has a very serious principle behind it.
P.S. No-one seems to have considered that the complainant might just have had a
personal gripe with the car owner, and chose this action as a means of getting one over them. (Doesn't excuse it, mind, but possibly removes the "political" element?)
Quote
Of course, since then, we haven't heard a peep from you to acknowledge that you were completely wrong in your presumption of guilt when choosing between an Ulsterman and a known thug. That suggests to me - if further proof were needed - that you are nothing more than a bigot, who views events from a position of naked prejudice (literally).
Course it does.
As I've said above, if any fan, a coward, verbally abuses a sports person in that manner when they know/think the sports person can't react they deserve a hiding when they get one.
If the Ulster Rugby fan (btw, isnt he/wasn't he taking legal action against papers who said he provoked Brennan? - are they bigots too?) did nothing to provoke Brennan then it's him who needs a hiding and people like him usually get it at some stage.
It's not unusual or is it evidence of my bigotry to assume something was said to provoke a reaction like Brennan's as it's a lot more likely than Brennan having a screw loose ((which now appears to be the case - I know nothing of his past).
Now that that's cleared up could you withdraw your allegation.
Quote
My reaction to this incident should be clear to any reasonable, intelligent person who has read my posts, but seeing as you seem to be deficient in at least one of those two respects, I shall make my position clear.
Why do you always need to get personal?
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 13, 2008, 03:07:37 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 11:02:33 AMAs for Derek Hussey wearing an NI coat, he wasn't exactly in the workplace (apart from his own) so that argument is nothing short pathetic.
In fairness, say someone working in a public office in Omagh complained about a co-worker having a Glasgow Rangers car sticker on the inside rear window in the car park and the owner of the car was asked to remove it. That evening when the story broke, Barry McElduff is interviewed by the BBC wearing a Carrickmore or Tyrone GAA waterproof jacket defending the decision to remove it - that would surely raise eyebrows would it not?
I see what you mean, but the whole point about the legislation which caused the flag to be removed is that it seeks to prevent contentious or divisive emblems from being displayed
in the workplace. It does not proscribe what may or may not be worn away from a (shared) workplace. As such, Hussey is entitled to wear whatever jacket he likes when being interviewed. However, it might be a different matter if he had made his statement on the affair in e.g. the Council Chamber, whilst wearing the jacket.
P.S. Another poster claimed Hussey himself had "complained" about the Tyrone flag itself. That was not my recollection; rather, he didn't seem to have any problem with the flag
per se, but just defended the equal enforcement of the legislation in this case.
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 13, 2008, 04:06:39 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 13, 2008, 03:07:37 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on September 13, 2008, 11:02:33 AMAs for Derek Hussey wearing an NI coat, he wasn't exactly in the workplace (apart from his own) so that argument is nothing short pathetic.
In fairness, say someone working in a public office in Omagh complained about a co-worker having a Glasgow Rangers car sticker on the inside rear window in the car park and the owner of the car was asked to remove it. That evening when the story broke, Barry McElduff is interviewed by the BBC wearing a Carrickmore or Tyrone GAA waterproof jacket defending the decision to remove it - that would surely raise eyebrows would it not?
I see what you mean, but the whole point about the legislation which caused the flag to be removed is that it seeks to prevent contentious or divisive emblems from being displayed in the workplace. It does not proscribe what may or may not be worn away from a (shared) workplace. As such, Hussey is entitled to wear whatever jacket he likes when being interviewed. However, it might be a different matter if he had made his statement on the affair in e.g. the Council Chamber, whilst wearing the jacket.
P.S. Another poster claimed Hussey himself had "complained" about the Tyrone flag itself. That was not my recollection; rather, he didn't seem to have any problem with the flag per se, but just defended the equal enforcement of the legislation in this case.
Great idea EG lets ban the NI soccer team for wearing NI jerseys. As the pitch is their work place i suggest they wear a full tux ! ;)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 04:01:08 PM
Quote
Of course, since then, we haven't heard a peep from you to acknowledge that you were completely wrong in your presumption of guilt when choosing between an Ulsterman and a known thug. That suggests to me - if further proof were needed - that you are nothing more than a bigot, who views events from a position of naked prejudice (literally).
Course it does.
As I've said above, if any fan, a coward, verbally abuses a sports person in that manner when they know/think the sports person can't react they deserve a hiding when they get one.
Bullshit! The enquiry and subsequent Court case clearly established that Bamford said nothing exceptional towards Brennan, just as his Ireland teammate, the Edinburgh Physio and countless opponents had done nothing down the years to excuse Brennan behaving like a thug. Yet you automatically assumed at the time that he must have done, including an entirely false and malicious sectarian motive, for no other apparent reason than that if the guy is an Ulster Prod, who becamne involved with a southern Catholic, then the Ulster Prod must be in the wrong.
And that's before we get to the idea of yours that verbal abuse justifies an extreme physical response. Or that the "coward" in this is the guy who (allegedly) shouted something, rather than the 16 stone, shaven headed thug who marched up to him and punched him repeatedly in a position where he could not defend himself.
You asked me earlier my opinion of the complainant in the Strabane case. What is your opinion of Brennan, now that he has been severely fined and banned from the game for life, by his rugby-playing peers? Do you still defend him, or have you changed your stance, in the light of overwhelming evidence?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 04:01:08 PM
It's not unusual or is it evidence of my bigotry to assume something was said to provoke a reaction like Brennan's as it's a lot more likely than Brennan having a screw loose ((which now appears to be the case - I know nothing of his past).
Exactly. When faced with a choice between bigoted provocation by an Ulster Prod and unprovoked violence by a Southern Catholic, you did not wait to see which was correct, you automatically jumped in to castigate the Ulster Prod - the very essence of prejudice. Moreover, as the true facts began to emerge (including Brennan's past record of violent thuggery), you clung to your case, even when it went far beyond being supportable by any reasonable person.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 04:01:08 PM
Now that that's cleared up could you withdraw your allegation.
Not a f**king chance.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 04:01:08 PM
Why do you always need to get personal?
I don't "always" need to get personal. It's only one or two of the hundreds of posters on this Board who move me to respond thus... ::)
P.S. On the subject of defamatory reporting of the case by certain newspapers, I don't know whether they did so out of bigoted motives, or following incompetent investigation, or as a result of being misinformed initially by friends and family of Brennan, or some other cause. But I do know they were made to pay handsomely for their gross libelling of an entirely innocent victim of an unprovoked assault:
http://www.uafc.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6851
EG
QuoteBullshit! The enquiry and subsequent Court case clearly established that Bamford said nothing exceptional towards Brennan, just as his Ireland teammate, the Edinburgh Physio and countless opponents had done nothing down the years to excuse Brennan behaving like a thug. Yet you automatically assumed at the time that he must have done, including an entirely false and malicious sectarian motive, for no other apparent reason than that if the guy is an Ulster Prod, who becamne involved with a southern Catholic, then the Ulster Prod must be in the wrong.
And that's fair enough.
Please be mnidful that before the incident I had never heard of Brennan so I had no idea about his history. (still don't)
I was not the one who had started the claims there was a sectarian motive - wasn't the the media who started that? Are they sectarian? You're right I would have assumed that Bamford done something (not necessarily something sectarian) to get the head thumped of him because sports people don't normally go in to the crowd and thump the head of random strangers. This is quite a consistent approach of mine - if I hear of someone getting the head beat of them my first thought is normally "what did they do to get that". This is probably a wrong approach to take but it's hardly sectarian.
Quote
And that's before we get to the idea of yours that verbal abuse justifies an extreme physical response. Or that the "coward" in this is the guy who (allegedly) shouted something, rather than the 16 stone, shaven headed thug who marched up to him and punched him repeatedly in a position where he could not defend himself.
And how is that sectarian - if Bamford had to have shouted something I would have shed no tears - this is a consistent approach of mine and one that's not just reserved for prods.
On this occasion Brennan was the coward.
If Bamford had to have said somethign I would have viewed him as the coward as he would have been saying something thinking the man in question couldn't/wouldn't react and that Brennan's behaviour was understandable.
Again, these are not views reserved for incidents with prods.
As I said earlier in the thread I think Cantona did a great job kicking yon **** that time and should have been given a medal, not a ban.
Quote
You asked me earlier my opinion of the complainant in the Strabane case. What is your opinion of Brennan, now that he has been severely fined and banned from the game for life, by his rugby-playing peers? Do you still defend him, or have you changed your stance, in the light of overwhelming evidence?
I think he's a ****.
Quote
Exactly. When faced with a choice between bigoted provocation by an Ulster Prod and unprovoked violence by a Southern Catholic, you did not wait to see which was correct, you automatically jumped in to castigate the Ulster Prod - the very essence of prejudice. Moreover, as the true facts began to emerge (including Brennan's past record of violent thuggery), you clung to your case, even when it went far beyond being supportable by any reasonable person.
You don't seem to understand that I would have made the same assumption had it been the other way around.
Now that I've explained myself please withdraw your allegation.
You owc boys have called me bigotted/sectarian a few times now (even NIfan has done it which I was quite shocked about at the time) is this the only reason why?
I don't really mind being called intolerant - I am quite intolerant towards people who do certain things but I don't give a f**k what religion someone is/what political views someone holds/what colour they are/who they like to shag etc
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 13, 2008, 04:54:35 PM
I'd say Derek Hussey wasn't "in the workplace" (I'm not in the country right now so didn't see the report in question, just going by various reports online) during the interview, however in an interview about the impact of symbols in the workplace, and in public in general, the wearing of a jacket associated with a team that has a reputation (not fairly) of... well this crap has been gone through several times.
He was interviewed outside, on a showery day, just 48 hours after a rain-soaked NI match which he almost certainly attended (he's a regular, afaik). The simplest explanation is that when approached for the interview, he already had the jacket on, having had it out to wear on the Wednesday. In which case, he was hardly going to take it off and be interviewed in his shirt sleeves in the open air; indeed, he might not even have thought about what he was wearing.
Moreover, he didn't really say anything very inflammatory - and especially not about Tyrone/GAA; from my recollection, he merely stated that the relevant legislation needs to be enforced equally, which in this case meant withdrawing the Tyrone flag.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 13, 2008, 04:54:35 PM
Anyway, does this mean that if its acceptable for Derek to wear a N.Irish soccer jacket in such an interview, was it OK for Pat Doherty to put together an election poster that featured several gaelic football personalities from Tyrone posing with him with them wearing GAA jersies back in 2001? As far as I see it, I struggle to tell the difference...
Hardly comparing like with like. As a local representative, Hussey was approached for his views on a topical matter, which he gave in a relatively uncontroversial manner. In doing so, he was not being endorsed by the IFA or any NI players, on a wet day he just happened to have on a particular jacket which anyone can buy, from a variety of outlets, without the IFA having any control over it.
Whereas, Pat Doherty was actively campaigning for an election when he chose specifically to associate himself, for personal gain, with a particular sport/set of personalities. Tbf to Doherty, I guess he is entitled to do so - after all, all politicians will engage in this sort of thing, given the chance.
However, what I do find objectionable is that the
GAA should allow their players to associate themselves, in their team colours, with any particular political party. Fair enough, I suppose, if they do so as private individuals (even though we all know that they're more than that!), but I have never heard of any current soccer player doing so and am sure it would be frowned upon by the game's authorities if any were to attempt to do so.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 13, 2008, 04:54:35 PM
BTW Is Derek related to Omagh Councillor Ross Hussey? Never met Derek, but Ross is a man who I'd have time for.
No idea, but on the odd occasion when I've heard Derek speak, he's never seemed particularly extreme to me.
Late Edit: I've just seen that Ross and Derek
are brothers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Hussey
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 05:24:51 PM
Now that I've explained myself please withdraw your allegation.
Which part of "No f**king chance" did you not understand? (Oh and btw, your 'explanation' was nothing of the sort, since it doesn't correspond with what you posted at the time over that incident.)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 05:24:51 PM
You owc boys have called me bigotted/sectarian a few times now (even NIfan has done it which I was quite shocked about at the time)
Well, either we (including the normally most moderate Nifan) are all ganging up on you specifically, or you are. Take your pick.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 05:24:51 PM
is this the only reason why?
Not for me, it's not.
QuoteWhich part of "No f**king chance" did you not understand? (Oh and btw, your 'explanation' was nothing of the sort, since it doesn't correspond with what you posted at the time over that incident.)
What did I say at the time - a lot of other posters assumed something was said - what did I say specifically that makes you call me a bigot?
QuoteNot for me, it's not.
So what's the other reasons?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 06:23:24 PM
QuoteWhich part of "No f**king chance" did you not understand? (Oh and btw, your 'explanation' was nothing of the sort, since it doesn't correspond with what you posted at the time over that incident.)
What did I say at the time - a lot of other posters assumed something was said - what did I say specifically that makes you call me a bigot?
Look it out for yourself - I couldn't be bothered.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on September 13, 2008, 06:23:24 PM
So what's the other reasons?
I can think of up to 5,402 reasons... ::)
Listen, I've made my views abundantly clear - you can accept them or not. Other readers may do the same. The Mods may also do so, including banning me if they feel I've contravened the Forum Rules. If I don't care for bigots, I'm hardly going to care what they (bigots) think of me.
Calling me a bigot and being unable to tell me why says a lot more about you than it does about me.
Quote from: ziggysego on September 12, 2008, 04:14:12 PM
Sad news indeed, especially when you consider in 2003 and 2005 the local Unionist MLA said he like seeing the Tinnies dressed up in the Tyrone colours. What happened in them short years?
i am afraid your wrong ziggy as i was working in strabane at the time and some of the unionist councilors were not happy. they only went up in 2005 after the last council meeting before the final so the council would not have had time to vote to take them down,
Unionist gets shirty over 'GAA sculpture'
National News Home
Search Query: Independent.ie Web Search Advanced search
Thursday September 25 2003
AN Ulster Unionist councillor saw red . . . and white yesterday after statues in a Tyrone town were decked out in county GAA jerseys.
Strabane councillor
Derek Hussey said kitting out the sculptures in the All-Ireland finalists' colours was an act of cultural supremacy.
The five figures in the 'Let The Dance Begin' sculpture, each 18ft high in stainless steel and bronze, are known locally as 'The Tinnies'.
Designed by award-winning sculptor Maurice Harron they were unveiled in December 2000. The theme is traditional music, dancing and harmony.
Now members of Strabane's Sigerson's GAA club have placed extra large Tyrone GAA shirts and scarves on 'The Tinnies'.
"We feel they are a landmark in the town plus the fact that a local company, O'Neill's Sportswear, are making the jerseys for both Tyrone and Armagh for the final - what better way to mark a local product than to put it on a local landmark," said club member Aidan Harkin.
"It should be seen in a fun, sporting context to show our support for the county team and I have had nothing but a great reaction to it," he added.
Cllr Hussey said: "I know it is a unique sporting occasion, an all-British All-Ireland final, but the hysteria that has developed around the whole event is i
ntimidatory to some people."
Quote from: gerry on September 13, 2008, 10:01:42 PM
Cllr Hussey said: "I know it is a unique sporting occasion, an all-British All-Ireland final, but the hysteria that has developed around the whole event is intimidatory to some people."
:D :D what a quick wit aul hussey must be. how many of the tyrone and armagh players were carrying the queens passport in that british final played in dublin?
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 15, 2008, 08:52:21 AM
Quote from: dodgy umpire on September 14, 2008, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 13, 2008, 10:01:42 PM
Cllr Hussey said: "I know it is a unique sporting occasion, an all-British All-Ireland final, but the hysteria that has developed around the whole event is intimidatory to some people."
:D :D what a quick wit aul hussey must be. how many of the tyrone and armagh players were carrying the queens passport in that british final played in dublin?
Doubt they would be carrying any passports considering they wouldn't have needed them obviously. And in any case, its no one's business what passport they may have, be it UK, Irish, both or in Ricey's case, maybe a Canuk one also.
you do know i was taking the mick with my post? to carry a passport implies that you have the passport, but not neccesarily on your person. hussey said it was an all british final, i was jesting in saying i doubt there were too many brits on the field.
Quote from: dodgy umpire on September 15, 2008, 06:02:27 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on September 15, 2008, 08:52:21 AM
Quote from: dodgy umpire on September 14, 2008, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 13, 2008, 10:01:42 PM
Cllr Hussey said: "I know it is a unique sporting occasion, an all-British All-Ireland final, but the hysteria that has developed around the whole event is intimidatory to some people."
:D :D what a quick wit aul hussey must be. how many of the tyrone and armagh players were carrying the queens passport in that british final played in dublin?
Doubt they would be carrying any passports considering they wouldn't have needed them obviously. And in any case, its no one's business what passport they may have, be it UK, Irish, both or in Ricey's case, maybe a Canuk one also.
you do know i was taking the mick with my post? to carry a passport implies that you have the passport, but not neccesarily on your person. hussey said it was an all british final, i was jesting in saying i doubt there were too many brits on the field.
brits shits
I see you're out there, Donagh, so any chance of a simple answer to my simple questions on this topic (Post #52, Sept.12th, 04.35 pm):
1. Do you support Sinn Fein's policies on neutral workplaces (flags, emblems etc)?
2. If so, do you think that it was correct to remove the Tyrone GAA flag from the work carpark, as was done in this case?
Or do you still prefer to sidestep the hard "tackles", like Gareth Edwards on Acid... ;)
Quote from: Evil Genius on September 16, 2008, 01:55:13 PM
I see you're out there, Donagh, so any chance of a simple answer to my simple questions on this topic (Post #52, Sept.12th, 04.35 pm):
1. Do you support Sinn Fein's policies on neutral workplaces (flags, emblems etc)?
2. If so, do you think that it was correct to remove the Tyrone GAA flag from the work carpark, as was done in this case?
Or do you still prefer to sidestep the hard "tackles", like Gareth Edwards on Acid... ;)
I am not Donagh I do think that it was wrong to remove the Tyrone flag I personally think that tyrone sucks and they will not win the all Ireland too. But it is wrong to remove it, just like a while back Paisly that old fecker god I hope he bites it soon and takes a dirt nap, he forbid the tri-colour from shops in the north. But then its bloody ok to paint every fecking round about the same goddam color of the union jack.
Tinnies stripped. . . if young Unionists get their way, much to the fury of the district's Tyrone enthusiasts
By Conor Sharkey (Strabane Chronicle)
STRABANE'S Tinnies may have pulled on their Tyrone jerseys for the last time, following a complaint from the Mid-Ulster Young Unionist Party.
A row over the public displaying of Tyrone regalia has been brewing since last Wednesday, when a local civil servant was ordered to remove a flag from her car as it had offended another employee.
The controversy stepped up a notch at the weekend when the Chair of Mid-Ulster Young Unionists Ryan Moses accused Strabane Council of blatantly endorsing 'intimidation' against Protestants by allowing the 'Let the Dance Begin' sculptures to be decked out in Tyrone's colours.
Castlederg's Mr Moses added that it was unacceptable that the Tinnies had been "defaced with GAA sportswear" and questioned whether Orange Sashes would be deemed acceptable, come July 12.
The Chronicle contacted Mr Moses on Monday, asking that he join us on the streets of Strabane to point out just exactly what it is that intimidates him and his party. The Mid-Ulster Young Unionist Chairman at first accepted our invitation, however he then became 'unavailable' on Monday, Tuesday and indeed Wednesday.
The Tinnies were first kitted out when Tyrone reached the All -Ireland final back in 2003. A joint effort between O'Neills Sportswear and Sigersons GAA Club, the huge jerseys have courted light-hearted media attention from across the globe.
Earlier this week however, sport and the North's politics collided once again, a collision which will almost certainly spell the end for the traditional dressing of the Tinnies.
On Monday, councillors were informed that Mr Moses had lodged an official complaint and that as a result, legislation on the issue would have to be reviewed.
The man who first dreamed up the Tyrone Tinnies idea, Aodhan Harkin, said he was disgusted that Mr Moses had chosen to politicise an issue which should essentially unite the county.
"This is nothing but pure, petty sectarianism and if Strabane Council do bow to this complaint, then they are only pandering to someone making stupid comments.
"With regards to whether sashes can be put up on July 12, I would say to Mr Moses go right ahead. You are more than welcome to put the sashes up but I don't know how long they will stay there.
"For years the GAA has done its damndest to remove politics from the sport. They have bent over backwards to accommodate all sections of the community, but listening to the comments made by Ryan Moses, I'm not sure his problem is with the Tinnies at all.
"He has made it abundantly clear that his problem is with Strabane town. If he wants to play politics, then let him stand for election and he can air his grievances in the chamber of Strabane District Council.
"As a sporting body, we aren't interested in anything he has to say and our only concern is that Tyrone win on Sunday," Mr Harkin added.
Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey was reluctant to become involved in the controversy, saying only that he understood the point Mr Moses was trying to make because of "the perceived connotation and connection that the GAA movement would have with a political aspiration."
The MLA added that it was likely Mr Moses was expressing the views of many young unionists but that he also understood the controversy had now put Strabane Council "in a trying circumstance".
Quote from: Rois on September 18, 2008, 05:03:09 PM
Castlederg's Mr Moses ... questioned whether Orange Sashes would be deemed acceptable, come July 12.
Why are they continually let away with positing this spurious equivalence between the Orange Order and the GAA? Does the GAA organise supremacist rallies and exist solely to oppose toleration of a particular religion? Orange sashes, marches and the rest of their anti-Catholic sectarian stuntery are not acceptable anywhere, anytime and are a cancer in the community. Sport, on the other hand, is a force for good in the community.