Pat Darcy v Gregory Campbell

[GalwayBayBoy]

Top Tyrone GAA official accuses arts minister of 'broken record syndrome'


By Barry O'Donnell

THE top GAA official in the county has criticised the 'broken record syndrome' of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure over his ongoing attacks on the Association.

Pat Darcy, who was re-elected as Tyrone County chairman this week at the annual convention in Moy, used the opportunity to hit out at Gregory Campbell, MLA, accusing him of failing to understand the GAA or the communities in which it is rooted.

Mr Darcy told Gaels from across the county that he applauded the visit of the high-ranking DUP politician to the St Brigid's Club in Belfast during the past year, before taking issue with some of the Minister's subsequent comments about the flying of Tyrone flags and bunting around the time of the All-Ireland Final.

"This visit was a significant step forward in recognising the GAA. However, it was disappointing when he took two steps back with his subsequent criticism of the Association. Linking these two issues was an error of judgement on his part.

"The Minister reverted to the same old 'broken record syndrome' regarding the naming of trophies, clubs and grounds after individuals who he alleges were involved in violence. The Minister fails to understand the GAA is deeply rooted in real world communities who place importance on remembering historical figures. GAA communities are proud of these traditions and no amount of shouting from the sidelines will change this reality."

The GAA chief argued that in the perfect Ireland all names and places would be community friendly but 'our shared history dictates otherwise'.

"If we can live with the Craigavons, Mountjoys, Kings, Queens, Windsors and Royal Victorias, then I would ask the Minister to tolerate the Casements, Wolf Tones, Kevin Barrys, Pearses, Sam Maguire and the Clarkes."

Mr Darcy continued: "I share with the Minister his concern with improving community relations through sport and culture but I disagree that this can best be done by highlighting our differences. We must respect our differences and seek common ground."

He argued that the GAA was committed to inclusivity and was working hard to promote cross community initiatives.

" In this context I had no difficulty in committing Tyrone GAA to the cross community 'Respect' programme in partnership with BACTIV. This programme aims to encourage children from different backgrounds to respect each other.

He concluded, "Regardless of the efforts by the GAA to reach out, our games continue to be excluded from the sports curriculum of state schools which are predominantly Protestant.

"My Unionist friends tell me there would be no point because young unionists have no wish to play Gaelic Games. My answer to that comment begins with a question- How do you know if you do not give them a choice?"

[nrico2006]

Read his speech yesterday, liked his reference to the Craigavons etc.

[carribbear]

It should be put to gregory if theres any chance of renaming Craigavon as to not offend the nationalist community?

[rrhf]

Great speech by Darcy, hes had a ggod innings. 

[dublinfella]

Did he make these comments in a personal capacity or in his Tyrone County chairman one?

[fitzroyalty]

It should be put to gregory if theres any chance of renaming Craigavon as to not offend the nationalist community?

or knocking it down so as not to offend anyone. At least the council name will be going soon

[carribbear]

Gregory starts off these little rants...i'm sure he's ask to change the all ireland title only the Sam Maguire is a good protestant cup....

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Seems like a reasoned, well structured response to Mr Campbell's attitude. Some one give Barry Elduff his number so the bould Barry can get a few pointers.

[Norf Tyrone]

Did he make these comments in a personal capacity or in his Tyrone County chairman one?

I am almost sure it was address at the Tyrone convention, so official capacity.

[Bensars]

It was. The full address is on the Tyrone club link. FOSB's post

http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=12.msg439783;boardseen#new

[Rufus T Firefly]

"If we can live with the Craigavons, Mountjoys, Kings, Queens, Windsors and Royal Victorias, then I would ask the Minister to tolerate the Casements, Wolf Tones, Kevin Barrys, Pearses, Sam Maguire and the Clarkes."

Well said, Pat Darcy! Respect!

[dublinfella]

Did he make these comments in a personal capacity or in his Tyrone County chairman one?

I am almost sure it was address at the Tyrone convention, so official capacity.

Is it wise for the TCB Chair to be involving himself in this spat with the minister for sport?

[supersarsfields]

Well I would say it needed a comment especially after Campbell's comments on the Tyrone bunting and flags. And to be honest I felt he spoke well.

[Final Whistle]

Well I would say it needed a comment especially after Campbell's comments on the Tyrone bunting and flags. And to be honest I felt he spoke well.

Them Tyrone boys take no shite!!!

[dublinfella]

Well I would say it needed a comment especially after Campbell's comments on the Tyrone bunting and flags. And to be honest I felt he spoke well.

I'm not for a second disagreeing with what he said, but is it appropriate or a good idea for the chair of a county board to get stuck into the minister for sport and his party?