DUP and the GAA

[saffron sam2]

was paddy heaney reading this thread yesterday?

He may well have been

Twenty years ago, the GAA club halls in Swatragh and Glenullin were burnt to the ground. One of my best friends was from Swatragh. His father was one of the many club members that helped to build the hall. It was a community effort.

His father would come home from work, take his dinner, and spend the evening at the building site. Men and women gave up weekends and took time off work. Their year-long voluntary labour was reduced to a heap of cinders.

At that time, the premises of GAA clubs were considered viable targets. The grossly irresponsible refrain that "the GAA was the IRA at play'' only served to highlight the worst fears of the unionist community.

Twenty years later and we are supposed to be living in more enlightened times. The GAA has tried to allay the fears and misconceptions that were fomented during the Troubles.

'God Save the Queen' has been aired in Croke Park. The rule banning members of the British security forces from joining the GAA has been scrapped.

In Ulster, the GAA has made a concerted effort to demonstrate that it is first and foremost a community-based sporting organisation. The response from the unionist community has been very positive.

The Bredagh GAA club in Belfast has no pitch or floodlit facilities. For the past three years, its teams have trained at the Malone Rugby Club that's situated in the heart of east Belfast.

Such a venture would have been impossible to imagine a few years ago.

Things are getting better. The old uncertainties are slowly evaporating.

There are countless small examples of improved relations.

A unionist delegation accepted an invitation to attend last year's All-Ireland final. Two unionist councillors went to last year's Down county final.

When the DUP's Edwin Poots was the minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, he attended a Dr McKenna Cup game and also addressed the Ulster Council's club conference.

Alan Simpson, a PSNI officer and the Linfield goalkeeping coach, helped to train the Down senior keepers this year.

The St Brigid's GAA club in Belfast embodies the new values that underpin these more peaceful times. The club was founded in 1998, the year of the Good Friday Agreement.

With no pitch of its own, St Brigid's relied on a groundshare agreement with the Harlequins Rugby Club. Two years ago, it was the first club in Ireland to play a game of football against the PSNI.

This year, St Brigid's were able to celebrate their 10th anniversary by opening a new ground. After acquiring a long-term lease from the Belfast City Council, they've developed two superb pitches.

Securing the land was a painstaking process which involved DCAL, the Belfast City Council, the Sports Council and the GAA's Ulster Council.

In recognition of the cross-community support the club has received from its birth, St Brigid's were eager for Gregory Campbell, the current minister for culture, arts and leisure to attend the opening. Following several face-to-face meetings with representatives from the Ulster Council, Campbell attended the ceremony.

The minister may not realise this, but it's considered a huge tribute to be invited as a guest of honour to the opening of a GAA ground.

Certain standards of decorum are expected from dignitaries who are afforded this distinction, yet Campbell still felt it necessary to highlight his concerns and criticisms of the GAA during his speech.

It was hardly the time or the place to make such remarks. But the minister couldn't leave it at that.

Obviously petrified that he had gone down in the estimation of his constituents by attending a GAA event, Campbell felt it necessary to underline his hard-line credentials.

For instance, can it be an entire coincidence that a few days after the minister was the guest of honour at St Brigid's, he suddenly had a compulsion to release a statement in which he condemned GAA clubs for allowing their pitches to be used for republican commemorations?

He also expressed his concerns about the GAA's tradition of naming clubs in honour of republicans.

The issue of marches and club names is another debate.

The real question concerns the timing of Campbell's statement.

It's not a fresh complaint. Unionists have voiced their opposition to these practices for decades. Why did Campbell have to get it off his chest four days after he opened a GAA pitch?

Furthermore, the minister has been in regular contact with Danny Murphy, the secretary of the Ulster Council.

If he genuinely wants these matters to be addressed, would he not be better discussing them with the GAA's representatives? Surely, that should be the first step of the process.

Sadly, our minister still wasn't satisfied that he'd proved to his electorate that he had not forgotten where his bread was buttered.

Last Monday, he was a guest on 'The Stephen Nolan Show' along with Tyrone manager Mickey Harte.

As the sports minister, the very least to be expected from Campbell would be that he would congratulate Mickey Harte and the Tyrone team.

He did neither. He didn't speak to Harte nor acknowledge his achievement.

Instead, he seized the opportunity to engage in the type of political point-scoring that belongs in the kindergarten.

Being a proud Derry man doesn't excuse Campbell's lack of grace or basic good manners towards the Tyrone boss.

His reaction to Tyrone's victory was that he "supposed" they deserved commendation because they had won an international event.

Defending his infantile remarks, he said: "I passed on my best wishes to county Tyrone GAA football team which obviously is a Northern
Ireland team in their victory over the county Kerry GAA Team from the Republic of Ireland in the GAA football final?"

Blah, blah, blah.

It's a waste of good ink to repeat his embarrassing comments in full.

Suffice to say, the minister totally failed to uphold the protocol required of his position.

Campbell should consider how the members of the St Brigid's GAA club in Belfast are feeling right now.

They invited him as a guest. It was a gesture designed to promote social harmony and to create a greater sense of trust between the communities.

And how did the minister respond? After attending the event, he spent the next two weeks taking potshots at the GAA.

The timing of his statement unmasked his underlying distaste for the GAA.

His failure to acknowledge Mickey Harte and his pathetic remarks revealed his political immaturity and dismal failure to fulfill the role of the office he now holds.

Almost a fortnight after Campbell attended the opening of the new pitch at St Brigid's, the clubhouse at St John's in Drumnaquoile was burnt to the ground.

It's impossible to connect Campbell's two weeks of anti-GAA rhetoric to the incident in Down. Graffiti had been daubed on a nearby Orange Hall and the minister unreservedly condemned the St John's arson attack.

However, Campbell must ask himself if his recent comments helped to foster a greater sense of understanding and respect towards the GAA.

His utterances certainly failed to reflect the warmth, acceptance and tolerance which is being demonstrated by other unionists and other sporting organisations.

It is high time the minister became more mindful of his responsibilities. As a minister, he is obliged to serve all traditions.

A GAA club invited him as a guest of honour. His presence was designed to promote social harmony. His behaviour since then has achieved the exact opposite.

The DUP politician has been a servant of discord and division. Moreover, if the minister feels that he has to indulge in such posturing every time he attends a GAA event, then he shouldn't go at all.

[Rossfan]

That Campbell is one of the most twisted bitter cnuts to ever come from the DUP and that's saying something.
There was a promotional supplement on Derry in the Sunday Tribune a few weeks ago and it included a piece by archbitter Campbell.
He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?
You really have to wonder at the Culture and Society that can spawn turds like him ( says he shaking his head sadly)

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

[Gaoth Dobhair Abu]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

Catch yourself on, there's not a Nationalist nor most Unionists that I know that call it L*****Derry, in fact I know very few (bar TV news people - try to use 50 - 50) people who call the place anything other then Derry.

[marty88]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

You talk some balls.

Nationalists and most Unionists (From the city and surrounding areas) call in Derry in everyday life

[Zapatista]

That Campbell is one of the most twisted bitter cnuts to ever come from the DUP and that's saying something.

There are quite a few so it's not saying a whole lot. I think we really need to turn the other cheek to Campbell and his ilk. There is great progress being made between the GAA comunity and the Unionist Community in spite of Campbell's efforts. Lets not through the baby out with the water. If we all have a good laugh at Campbell many of his traditional supporters will laugh with us. I think his attempts at misrepresenting the GAA are so ludicrous they are funny .

[orangeman]

That Campbell is one of the most twisted bitter cnuts to ever come from the DUP and that's saying something.

There are quite a few so it's not saying a whole lot. I think we really need to turn the other cheek to Campbell and his ilk. There is great progress being made between the GAA comunity and the Unionist Community in spite of Campbell's efforts. Lets not through the baby out with the water. If we all have a good laugh at Campbell many of his traditional supporters will laugh with us. I think his attempts at misrepresenting the GAA are so ludicrous they are funny .

I think you're right there - Campbell wants us to take offence at his statements so that both communities remain divided and entrenched. Most people want to move on in harmony - but Campbell's role is to resist this - there's not much difference between him and the so called republican dissidents.

[fred the red]

That Campbell is one of the most twisted bitter cnuts to ever come from the DUP and that's saying something.

There are quite a few so it's not saying a whole lot. I think we really need to turn the other cheek to Campbell and his ilk. There is great progress being made between the GAA comunity and the Unionist Community in spite of Campbell's efforts. Lets not through the baby out with the water. If we all have a good laugh at Campbell many of his traditional supporters will laugh with us. I think his attempts at misrepresenting the GAA are so ludicrous they are funny .

I think you're right there - Campbell wants us to take offence at his statements so that both communities remain divided and entrenched. Most people want to move on in harmony - but Campbell's role is to resist this - there's not much difference between him and the so called republican dissidents.

how these people get elected is beyond comprehension.

[Gnevin]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

You talk some balls.

Nationalists and most Unionists (From the city and surrounding areas) call in Derry in everyday life

A google search would suggest the usage is 50-50

[An Fear Rua]

campbell is doing an live web chat now


http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Minister-to-participate-in-LIVE.4542121.jp

[Minder]

Any steel rods i work with all call it Londonderry.

[lynchbhoy]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

You talk some balls.

Nationalists and most Unionists (From the city and surrounding areas) call in Derry in everyday life

A google search would suggest the usage is 50-50

google ! ! !!

the bitter twisted ones like campbell would insist on calling it londonderry - for things that are actually incorrect (such as DERRY City council - as it is officially called)
most folks call it Derry, inc prods (who are in the minority in the city) but some still say londonderry in front of taigs to keep up the pretence (so I have been told by a prod former work colleague).

[EC Unique]

That Campbell is one of the most twisted bitter cnuts to ever come from the DUP and that's saying something.

There are quite a few so it's not saying a whole lot. I think we really need to turn the other cheek to Campbell and his ilk. There is great progress being made between the GAA comunity and the Unionist Community in spite of Campbell's efforts. Lets not through the baby out with the water. If we all have a good laugh at Campbell many of his traditional supporters will laugh with us. I think his attempts at misrepresenting the GAA are so ludicrous they are funny .

I think you're right there - Campbell wants us to take offence at his statements so that both communities remain divided and entrenched. Most people want to move on in harmony - but Campbell's role is to resist this - there's not much difference between him and the so called republican dissidents.

The problem is that he is in a position of power in that he his the minister for culture, arts and leisure, I think he should consider his position, retract his comments and appoligse to Mickey Harte and the Tyrone Team for any offence caused. He is abusing his position and should not be allowed to get away with it. We pay the ****'s wages. 

[Maroon Heaven]

He continually put the prefix"london" before Derry and then to show his total contempt for the majority of the people of Derry he several times referred to "The City Council of Londonderry"(sic)
He still wont accept the fact that the name of the Council is Derry City Council.
I wonder what he calls  Derry City AFC and  the City of Derry RFC?

In fairness, most Nationalists (quite legitimately) would only use the word Derry even for things officially called Londonderry. Its a matter of personal opinion. Its Campbell's actions and remarks as highlighted Paddy heaney that should be of much more concern.

On the name for Derry, the ironic thing is that there isn't a single majority in favour of calling it another other than Londonderry which is what most people in the city itself, in the 6 counties and throughout Ireland do.

My God - What utter B0llicks...


The only people I know who use the name Londonderry - are educated out of methody or Institute. The vast vast vast Majority use Derry and all my protestant friends I know would never use the name Londonderry

[ziggysego]

Mickey did the right thing, ignored his silly comments. Anyone with any sense can see what he was trying to do, rile the GAA community. Best to take the higher ground and laugh off his comments.

Someone said how to idiots like these get elected. Quite silly, feed into the fears of the electorate and giving them scare stories about what 'the other side' will do and what will happen to the Unionist community if they are not elected. Been happening for years in all countries. Tell them what they want and if that doesn't work, scare them into voting for you.