Menu
20/08/2009
GAA Ground's 'Use By SF' Slammed
There's a row developing over the use of a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) ground to host a Sinn Féin-sponsored event.
The SDLP Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell has called on the GAA to investigate why Sinn Féin was allowed to use its facilities to stage the hunger strike commemoration rally.
He raised the issue when he met with senior GAA executives in Dublin on Wednesday.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was the main speaker at the hunger strike commemoration.
Today, the Stormont Sorts Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured) has also expressed serious concerns about what he said are "images currently being circulated on the internet depicting scenes of paramilitary display at the hunger strike commemoration event held at Galbally on Sunday 16 August".
The DUP Minister commented: "I understand that the GAA grounds were used for part of this event and I am sure that many senior figures in the GAA will be as horrified as I am that a sports ground was used for this type of activity.
"I would encourage the GAA to carry out a full investigation into the activities of 16 August at Galbally and to make a full statement as soon as possible."
"Sport has tremendous potential to bring communities together and to contribute to a shared and better future," he insisted.
"This is an aspiration to which the vast majority of the population here subscribe. The events in Galbally have been deeply divisive and do nothing to promote harmony in our community."
However, Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff told the BBC today that the photos were not taken on GAA grounds.
"He is talking about a series of role plays involving actors on roads in Co Tyrone on Sunday last," he said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The SDLP Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell has called on the GAA to investigate why Sinn Féin was allowed to use its facilities to stage the hunger strike commemoration rally.
He raised the issue when he met with senior GAA executives in Dublin on Wednesday.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was the main speaker at the hunger strike commemoration.
Today, the Stormont Sorts Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured) has also expressed serious concerns about what he said are "images currently being circulated on the internet depicting scenes of paramilitary display at the hunger strike commemoration event held at Galbally on Sunday 16 August".
The DUP Minister commented: "I understand that the GAA grounds were used for part of this event and I am sure that many senior figures in the GAA will be as horrified as I am that a sports ground was used for this type of activity.
"I would encourage the GAA to carry out a full investigation into the activities of 16 August at Galbally and to make a full statement as soon as possible."
"Sport has tremendous potential to bring communities together and to contribute to a shared and better future," he insisted.
"This is an aspiration to which the vast majority of the population here subscribe. The events in Galbally have been deeply divisive and do nothing to promote harmony in our community."
However, Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff told the BBC today that the photos were not taken on GAA grounds.
"He is talking about a series of role plays involving actors on roads in Co Tyrone on Sunday last," he said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
06 January 2006
Council to give GAA club free ground
Derry City Council has decided to give a plot of land worth around £250,000 to a local GAA club as part of a development plan to expand the club's facilities. The Council Development Committee decided to ask for clearance from the DOE to hand the eight acres of land over to the Sean Dolans GAA club so that they can expand.
Council to give GAA club free ground
Derry City Council has decided to give a plot of land worth around £250,000 to a local GAA club as part of a development plan to expand the club's facilities. The Council Development Committee decided to ask for clearance from the DOE to hand the eight acres of land over to the Sean Dolans GAA club so that they can expand.
05 April 2024
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
30 March 2022
Sports Stars Help McDonald's Launch Anti-Littering Initiative
International rugby star Jacob Stockdale and Antrim GAA hurler Neil McManus have joined McDonald's to help launch their new 'Keep it Clean' campaign, aimed at tackling litter in parks, on paths and along roadsides.
Sports Stars Help McDonald's Launch Anti-Littering Initiative
International rugby star Jacob Stockdale and Antrim GAA hurler Neil McManus have joined McDonald's to help launch their new 'Keep it Clean' campaign, aimed at tackling litter in parks, on paths and along roadsides.
15 January 2020
Communities Minister: Casement Park Is A Key Priority
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has identified the completion of Casement Park as a "key priority" for her department. Deirdre Hargey MLA met with Ulster GAA officials at the west Belfast site to discuss furthering the project. Minister Hargey said she is determined to see the project started as soon as possible.
Communities Minister: Casement Park Is A Key Priority
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has identified the completion of Casement Park as a "key priority" for her department. Deirdre Hargey MLA met with Ulster GAA officials at the west Belfast site to discuss furthering the project. Minister Hargey said she is determined to see the project started as soon as possible.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
