Hunger strike rally at Casement Park will go ahead
An update on the controversial Hunger Strike commemmoration rally to be held at the GAA's Casement Park grounds on Sunday. The GAA's Antrim County Board chairman, John McSparran, has that the event will go ahead as planned, despite a recent ruling by the GAA's Central Council that the rally is inconsistent with the organisation's Rule 7a (which prohibits the use of GAA facilities for "party-political" purposes).
The ball is now in the Central Council's court, to mix sporting metaphors. Will they discipline the Antrim Board for its decision? There is some suggestion that the Central Council imposed a fine of £15,000 on the Antrim Board in 2001 after a rally marking the 20th anniversary of the hunger strikes was also permitted at Casement Park.
Comments
They should be FINED. The GAA should stay non-political. If the antrim board can't see that this is a political event, I wouldn't trust anything they have to say.
What the hell has the hunger strike got to do with the promotion of gaelic games and pastimes? They are not politically naive, and so they are aware of the likely media coverage that this (to use one of their favourite terms in the marching season) 'coat trailing exercise' will generate. The Antrim Board should each be fined in person and disbarred, they are bringing the organisation into disrepute by association (Rule 144). I feel sorry for their teams. Lions lead by donkeys (with apologies to real donkeys).
im glad that the rally is going ahead, as a young republican i feel
that it is important to remember the brave men that fought to free my war torn land!!!!!
Kitty
No problem with political rallies - just political ralllies at venues that are supposed to be free from party politics. Sinn Fein is being disingenuous when is says that it is not a party political rally and that all are welcome. They were quick enough to condemn the spoiling of a leisure centre as a neutral venue last week.
So when they run the rally, all are welcome and when the other side do they feel excluded.
Kitty- Whatever absurdity of thought you have been conditioned to think as a "young Republican", the hunger strikers did not die for the freedom of Northern Ireland. They died because they wouldn't eat.
John Wright, you need to get wised up!
I'm glad the rally went ahead, I was there on Sunday, and it was a very fitting tribute to 12 very brave men and their amazing families.
having grown up in west belfast and now at the age of 41, the hunger strike played a significant role in my life and those around me. i feel that a tribute by many of the people of N.I. who were supporters of such a cause, this rally allowed them to reflect upon were we have been and were we are now. Example death, loss, anger, pain, etc.
These feelings being felt by both sides of communities and not exclusive to one or another, as both sides have similar experiences throughout the conflict.
I feel that the ruling council of the GAA should have given greater considerations to the feeling and asperations of many of its members. Being detached from the grass roots of the working class and from afar, i believe gives rise to arrogance, ignorance and share detachment of many of its members.