Messages

EG,

I know Graham has already made a statement about returning to play.  I'm guessing that you are already angling that it is not about him and that resolution of the matter to Graham's satisfaction is not in effect resolution at all.

I would say if nothing further comes of this incident then it is a missed opportunity, yes.  However it essentially about what Graham wants.

/Jim.

The point is that Anton Rogan was on the receiving end of shameful sectarian abuse whilst playing for N.Ireland at Windsor Park not the semantics of when and who he was playing against

That may indeed be the point but another pertinent point is that this Aerlik character made up a ball of shíte as "evidence".  Generally, one will  doubt the veracity of something when it is backed up by lies.

/Jim.

FFA is not about attracting "additional Catholics" to WP; rather, it is about changing the atmosphere and environment surrounding football in NI, so that anyone who is genuinely interested in following the game may do so, irrespective of race, religion, colour, gender, disability etc.

As such, it has been widely recognised by a wide number of neutral, authoritative bodies - in this case Sport Against Racism Ireland, for example - as having achieved considerable success (even if the job is by no means complete).

Firstly I would say that FFA is a commendable program and embarking on it alone is a success.  I would point out though that your example is an interesting one because if SARI reports are the barometer of success then the GAA is well up there.  Read the Anual Reports about the GAA participation in their programs.

Also on Today FM last week Trevor Ringland listed a number of initiatives that he was involved in with the GAA (some I ashamedly did not even know about).

So once again, while acknowledging the particular issue with the GAA in Northern Ireland, I put forward the motion that the picture is not as terrible as many would purport.

/Jim.

Interesting selection, looks like Trevor Hogan, Leo Cullen, Mick O'Driscoll or Keith Gleeson didn't make the cut for the World Cup, not that they're international class anyway. Looks like Brian Carney is on his way...

Gleeson experience might of carried him over the line, but Ferris is a class act and will probably get the nod.

Mick O'Driscoll versatility has been tried and not proven time and time again.

Carney is interesting............

/Jim.

Jim

I am not being hypersensitive at all. This rag styles itself as the "National Newspaper of N Ireland" implying that it serves both communities but I have yet to see an article criticising sectarianism in local soccer, Earlier this year the Glentoran Assistant Manager offered sectarian abuse to Pat Fenlon during a sectarian game between Derry and Glentoran. This issue wasn't even mentioned in this rag far less the subject of an Opinion Column. I am angered also that the IFA's laughable FFA campaign is held up as some sort of template for the GAA to adopt. Also you never ever see the GAA featuring as the lead subject on the sports back page, not even the AI Final between Armagh and Tyrone yet the most ibscure local sports are featured

Oh and sectarianism is indeed inevitable in the six counties due simply to the fact that the artificial statelet was set up on the basis of a crude sectarian headcount, and from that foundation, the rest as they say is our history

Tony,

I am not familiar with general trends in the specific paper.  The article itself, standing alone, seems reasonable.   As a GAA member I want the issue tackled so I agree with the sentiments of the article.

As for other sports, I agree there maybe issues of an equal (or greater) magnitude going on.  Certainly when Linfield came to Dublin last year, the phrase "Fenian Baxtard" was clearly audible.  Of course this was because the neanderthals were trying to get within earshot of the keeper and there was a boom mike behind his goal.  I'd presume some players as well as supporters indulge in such behaviour.

That said, what other sports do is of indifference to me, the GAA should take a lead as the article states.

/Jim.

To be honest I wouldn't see much wrong with that article.  The main point that the GAA must seize on this incident is correct.  As I have said in other threads this is for two reasons:

1)  Darren Graham and his like are the key to making the GAA welcoming to Northern Ireland Protestants.  He and others like him, who have an genuine interest in the game should be made welcome.  Barriers such as this kind of sledging (or others) he may point out have to be removed.   He and not the internet warriors picking through the GAA rule book are the key to a more inclusive GAA.

2) It will be one less thing for the knockers to knock us on.

Of course incidents of this nature go on in other sports (possibly more unchecked than some would have you believed) but that's their business.  This is a chance for the GAA to be proactive (and seen to be proactive) and the chance must be seized.

Tony, you are being hyper-sensitive.

/Jim.

How do you know the site hasn't been constructed by Jim Murphy/Y2K but on this occasion has chosen to omit the usual "both sides did terrible things" disclaimer?

I can assure you I didn't construct that or any other site.

/Jim.

ruc in large parts being as 'paramilitary ' as the republicans they were killing imo

Indeed and there are many of the security forces that I would have little sympathy for too.

/Jim.

So, Jim, let's say in the Seamus Grew case, are you saying that on the one hand it was wrong for the RUC to execute Grew, but on the other that you're not at all unhappy with the outcome of that execution?

Oraisteach,

I wouldn't be happy or unhappy.  I wouldn't have that much sympathy for him.  I would believe that world would be a better place without any INLA members.    

That doesn't make it right for the RUC to have acted the way they did.  

As I said, two separate issues.

/Jim.

I'd also think it would be reasonable to express sympathy for anyone who was murdered during the Troubles.

To me that is a personal thing.  I don't feel sympathy for some that were murdered.  Just being honest.

/Jim.

Jim

What about innocent civilians, suspected of being part of an 'active unit' who are executed by the state.

FAM,

Totally wrong and that is my rationale for concurring with the first statement:  the security forces should stay within in the law and "shoot to kill" is wrong is all circumstances.   

When the people killed were terrorists, the police action was still wrong but I just don't have sympathy for the victioms.  Two entirely different things. 

/Jim.

MW, I still can't fully grasp your position.  I'm gratified when you write, "I don't think the police should take the law into their own hands and don't want a society where the police are tasked with 'taking out' terrorists. More should be expected of them," but then you say, "I have absolutely no sympathy whatsoever for terrorists who ended up getting the treatment they had advocated and carried out."

There is nothing equivocal or contradictory with those statement.  Personally I would agree with both.  Higher standards should be expected of the security forces.  However that doesn't mean you have to feel sorry for those who got the treatment.

Perfectly rational reasoning from MW.

/Jim.

Does it really annoy 'moderate' Unionists when this place is called the north of Ireland?

Totally, a grave, grave sin only surpassed by calling football soccer!

/Jim.

I mean he would have Irish parents/grandparents or have lived in NI or whatever. It would be unlikely that somebody with no connection would want to wear an OWC shirt (or any other country that they weren't connected to).

OWC site currently has a memorial thread to a German chap who supported OWC.  No connections with NI mentioned.

/Jim.

[In northern parts of England football would firstly refer to Rubgy

Eddie O'Sullivan often refers to his team's efforts to get their hands on the "football".  Also Sky are promoting a Saturday morning programme called "Soccer A.M.".   Mooretwin was found dead on the kitchen floor having choked on his Coco-Pops in outrage when it came on.

Shame!

/Jim.