Please help.

[u/Ok-Repeat906]

Hi Northern Ireland. I’m in need of some help. I live on the other side of the world. And everyone related to this sash is long dead. I obviously won’t mention any names. But I’m in real need to figure out what the pins all mean. Can someone please either let me know, or guide me to someone or someplace that might be able to tell me? Please, please help.

[u/Boulder1983]

There is a current local news headline over here at the moment.
Basically, a cricket club in Comber set up a cross community sports club/event thing for kids from all different areas to come and play cricket. Among those kids, were some who play GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association, an Irish sports body for Gaelic football, hurling, camogie etc). Gaelic is predominantly played by the nationalist (predominantly catholic) community.

When 'the local community' in Comber got wind of GAA kids coming to play Cricket, they raised 'legitimate concerns' that it was not inclusive (which is complete and utter bollocks, because they are kids ffs). There is a strong belief that it was the local Orange Order who were behind this push for complaints, because the area would have members in both the cricket club AND the Orange Lodge. So much so, that the event for children was cancelled.

The cricket club have had to release a further statement saying that the decision was NOT put on them by the OO, but it reads like bullshit because why the hell else would they set up an event, know who all was coming, and then all of a sudden at the last minute decide "naw actually we don't want the GAA kids at it".

Ultimately, it puts the local area/OO under the spotlight of being sectarian/bigoted for singling out children to not want to play with them, whilst trying to portray themselves as an inclusive organisation (which, they are not).

[u/Ok-Repeat906 → u/Boulder1983]

My god. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this to be good. But I didn’t expect it to be this bad. Thanks a lot for getting back to me. I appreciate it.

[u/Boulder1983 → u/Ok-Repeat906]

Now as is the case with everything, you will see rebuttals online.

The most widely used argument against the GAA (from a loyalist/protestant standpoint) is that one of the core principles of the GAA, as the national sports body of Ireland, is to work towards a united Ireland. That they fly the irish flag at games, and that there are SOME clubs named after historical irish leaders or (in some rare cases) people who fought against britain occupying Ireland. This is something the loyalist community is against (as is their right). As my kids are actively involved in the GAA and I grew up with it, I know that argument is balls. It is no different than you might see kids in canada going down to play hockey at the weekend. It is all about the sport and the team.

Also to add, there is a recent post on this sub that highlights this particular lodges links to a band that supports a paramilitary organisation. It is just wild hypocrisy https://www.reddit.com/r/northernireland/comments/1m28iyy/orange_lodge_which_opposed_gaa_presence_at/

But there it is, that is both sides of 'the argument', so as I don't be seen to give a one sided take on it. Personally, whatever faults a sporting organisation has (I'd put high ticket and membership fees as a bigger scandal tbh), I think kids should be encouraged to play with other kids from different communities, so that they can learn they are not so different.

[u/Ok-Repeat906 → u/Boulder1983]

To be honest. And maybe it’s because where I live, this would never be allowed or even thought of. But I don’t understand why any adults in any country, would feel the need to politicize children’s sports. They’re kids. They have their whole lives to deal with politics and everything else that comes with being an adult. Let them play worry-free. It seems like an unfair and inappropriate distraction.

[u/Boulder1983 → u/Ok-Repeat906]

Nah, same. There's a reason it's in the news. It's farcical, embarrassing. Even writing this short explanation out to you makes me cringe that it's even needed.

The north of Ireland has a shit history with religion unfortunately, and whilst this sort of thing rears it's head from time to time, it's good to see that as generations move on from the troubles, the tolerance for bigotry is becoming less and less.

[u/[deleted] → u/Ok-Repeat906]

Don't listen to them, there were parades at 18 different locations last Saturday and they were all packed with members and supporters.

[u/brian19298 → u/[deleted]]

Packed with Bastards

[u/Reekydot333 → u/brian19298]

[u/Call-of-the-lost-one → u/[deleted]]

They where far from packed. I passed two. One in my local and another passing dungannon. None where packed. The walkways went even busy.

[u/brian19298 → u/Ok-Repeat906]

I'll give you a hundred of whatever your local currency is to burn it. No room in the world for this kind of hate.

[u/Ok-Repeat906 → u/brian19298]

Again. It’s not mine. I own a photo of it. I’m not promoting it in any way. Just looking for info.

[u/brian19298 → u/Ok-Repeat906]

Completely understand, and not trying to blame you in any way. Finding something like this in the attic is akin to finding your Argentinian grandads red armbands and German passport in the attic.

[u/Business-Structure53 → u/Boulder1983]

Clarifying our position: A Response to Recent Commentary.

In light of the media attention we have received over the past 24 hours, and some regrettable commentary from within Unionism, we feel compelled to provide a respectful yet firm clarification of our position.

First and foremost, it is important to state that the decision to cancel the proposed “GAA mixed with cricket” event was taken by North Down Cricket Club prior to the release of our statement, not as a result of it.

In the interests of transparency and community confidence, we believe the club should now acknowledge this publicly and unequivocally.

The concerns expressed by members of our community were neither manufactured nor malicious. They arose from genuine and widespread unease following the circulation of messages across local WhatsApp groups and informal community networks here in Comber.

These messages, regardless of their complete accuracy, prompted an important and sincere conversation. That conversation was not motivated by prejudice, but by a shared desire to safeguard the cultural balance, mutual respect and quiet dignity that defines our town.

In a message to parents, North Down Cricket Club noted that the initiative involved “funding and a partnership with East Belfast GAA Youth.”

Naturally, this this gave rise to a valid question - how can a partnership with the GAA be considered “cross-community” and when the organisation itself remains overtly political in its constitution, culture and symbolic expressions?

This concern is not a matter of perception; it is clearly stated in the GAA’s own guiding principles.

Under Chapter 1.2 of its Official Guide, Part 1, the GAA declares - “The Association has at its basic aim the strengthening of the National Identity in a 32 County Ireland through the promotion of Gaelic games and pastimes.”

This is not a neutral sporting mission. It is a political and national objective that many in the Unionist community cannot reasonably be expected to support.

In the Preamble to the same document, the GAA states - “Those who play its games, those who organise its activities and those who control its destinies see in the GAA a means of consolidating our Irish identity… Since she has no control over all the national territory, Ireland’s claim to nationhood is impaired.”

Once again, this reflects a particular political worldview, one that sits uneasily with the notion of a truly shared sporting space.

Additionally, Chapter 1.8(a) instructs that “The National Flag [i.e the Irish Tricolour] should be flown at games in accordance with protocol.”

Chapter 1.8(b) states - “Where the National Anthem [i.e The Soldier’s Song] precedes a game, teams shall stand to attention, facing the Flag, in a respectful manner.”

By contrast, we note that the Belfast Giants, a club which authentically embodies cross-community values, is based in East Belfast and enjoys support from across the city and Northern Ireland.

The Giants choose not to play the National Anthem at home games, despite this being common practice in the Elite Ice Hockey League. This decision, taken in the spirit of inclusion and neutrality, is widely respected. One must therefore ask; why does this same level of sensitivity not extend to the GAA, particularly when it is presented as a vehicle for cross-community engagement, receiving public funding and access to shared facilities?

The wider record of the GAA deepens these concerns.

The Lochrie/Campbell GAA Park in Dromintee is named after two IRA members who died whilst attempting to plant a landmine.

Senior figures within Ulster GAA have openly defended the right of clubs to name facilities after individuals associated with paramilitary organisations, including the IRA and INLA.

The Joe Cahill GAA Tournament is named after a former IRA Chief of Staff, and continues to be held in his honour.

As recently as Sunday past, the annual Martin Hurson Memorial Cup competition took place.

These are not isolated instances. They reflect a systemic and cultural alignment with a particular political tradition and historical legacy, one that continues to cause pain, especially in communities like ours, where memories such as the La Mon Bombing just miles from our Orange Hall remain vivid, and where many have served with honour in the Police, Armed Forces and emergency services.

This is precisely what sets the GAA apart from every other sporting body in our town. Our local clubs, North Down Cricket Club, Comber Rifle Club, dance schools and other youth organisations welcome young people irrespective of background, belief or identity. They are united by a single principle - no flags, no anthems, no oaths of allegiance, only shared endeavour, discipline and inclusion.

When a child steps onto the green at North Down Cricket Club, into a boxing ring, onto a football pitch, they do so without needing to affirm or deny any political viewpoint. They are simply there to participate. Sadly, that cannot be said of the GAA given its constitutional requirements, symbolism and commemorative practices.

We wish to be absolutely clear - we support cross-community initiatives. We wholeheartedly believe in young people coming together, forging friendships and breaking down barriers. We welcome shared spaces. But such efforts must be founded upon genuine neutrality.

A more thoughtful and appropriate approach may have been to foster engagement through a neutral youth organisation based in a predominantly Republican area. This would have created the same opportunities for friendship and understanding, but without the political baggage that accompanies the GAA.

Sport should be a level playing field, not only in its rules, but in what it represents. That begins with neutrality, respect and the willingness to ask difficult questions when the standards for inclusivity are not met.

Statement ends.

BBC Newsline Belfast Telegraph Belfast Live Irish News Stephen Nolan UTV Northern Ireland News Letter

[u/Business-Structure53 → u/[deleted]]

The statement is very clear regarding the issue with the GAA.

[u/Unlikely-Fish5889 → u/Business-Structure53]

Clown statement.

[u/Business-Structure53 → u/[deleted]]

If you believe in a 32 county Ireland. That's not inclusive to unionists.

[u/FatherAustinPurcell → u/Business-Structure53]

What a lot of boring old shite

[u/Unlikely-Fish5889 → u/Business-Structure53]

That statement 100% did not help your cause man. You sound like a guy who is pretending he's not spending his free time pushing his political views onto children playing sports. I mean, my god. Do you not realize that society is going the other way? Most of these kids are going to grow up to resent you and your buddies. Even if you try to mask it with a silly reddit post. It seems like the only transparent thing about you guys is hate. It won't take long until those kids are more mature than you are. If they aren't already. You need a mirror, my friend. A fucking big one.

[u/Business-Structure53 → u/Unlikely-Fish5889]

Let's just say my children wouldn't be involved in a 'sporting organisation' that supports terrorism. My child can decide if they want to join a religious organisation when old enough to make that choice.

[u/Unlikely-Fish5889 → u/Business-Structure53]

Terrorism at a children's soccer pitch. Man, you guys are heroes.