Olympic Clock Ticking For GAA
Until now the main local interest in the 2012 Olympics has concerned whether our multi-sports stadium will be ready in time to host a couple of football matches. But now Sinn Fein's Daithi McKay has raised the real prospect of a local medal hope. He has asked the Culture Minister Edwin Poots "to outline what plans he has to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics." Mr Poots doesn't seem to grasp the urgency of the matter. He tells Mr McKay that "the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body of Gaelic games and is responsible for their development and promotion. Any plans to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics would therefore be a matter for the GAA."
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What world does the young and inexperienced David McKay live in? Obviously one where the world plays GAA! It would nice if he spent his time getting the GAA to move away from politics - instead of playing silly political games.
Indeed the burning question has to be what country would northern irish athletes represent, are we to have another debacle all be in on an internationl stage as we did with soccer?
Could this be an opportunity for the Antrim Hurlers to shine and show there stuff, even better than winning an All Ireland Hurling Final, winning an All World Hurling Final. And lets hope their local MP will be in attendance shouting them on.
Northern Ireland has changed for the best and for someone who lives in Western Australia looking on, I feel proud!
Sounds a bit like America's "World Series" where only American teams play...
Dermott - GAA players from Northern Ireland would HAVE to compete under the GB&NI banner - if only to give the RoI team *someone* to compete against!!! ;-)
Of course, they could have an international rules version, but would that be *true* GAA being played at the Olympics? At least then there'd be three competitors - RoI, GB&NI and Australia!!!
Some people seem to have missed the point - often Olympic Games are used to showcase local sports that are not widely played elsewhere. So, there would be a case for Gaelic games being played in 2012.
In response to Charlie Stevens:
Firstly, I would be much obliged if you would refer to Daithi McKay by his correct name, if only out of politeness.
Secondly, as other threads have pointed out, there are cases where local games are played out at the Olympics as a means of promoting them. As someone who has lived in London there are numerous GAA clubs throughout the capital.
Thirdly, GAA is played worldwide, something which a lot of Gaelic Games enthusiasts can account for. USA, Canada, Australia have numerous clubs as does GB. How many teams do you think are needed for a Round Robin tournament?
N.B. Sadly however, I doubt the GAA would push this issue too much, as it would mean giving up some autonomy over their sports...Turkeys for Christmas?
GAA - Grab All Association. If the Government give the Grab All Association a large cheque then they would do anything. The Grab All Association would be putty in the Governments hands.
Comment Number 6. What does it say on David McKay's passport and birth certificate? Surely were it says David McKay that is what he should be called. And for yourself Christopher what is this craze of changing your name to Irish. Why would anyone want to employ you?
What I don't understand is why CrÃostóir Ó Siadhail wrote his blog entry in English rather than Irish Gaelic - but maybe he did and Mark had it translated at a cost of around 15p per word!
Hurling would be a great addition to the olympics.
Surley a little showing of all sports from all people within the local islands wouldn't be a bad thing?
Comment Number 8, Martin,
I know for a fact that Daithi McKay's passport says 'Daithi Gearoid McKay' so wind your neck in ye eejit!
And his birth certificate?
Are they looking to make in-fighting an olympic sport?
Martin, how on earth would you know what it says on Daithi's passport or birth certificate? Many people in Ireland are registered with the Irish spelling of their name. My father's birth certificate is in English, my own is as Gaeilge. It's a personal preference. Why try and dictate what you think some one should be called?
PS - I don't think discrimination on the basis of the language your name is spelt in is particularly legal, and I've certaintly never had any problems finding employment.
Comment 13, Martin:
Great! If that's your attitude, let's change all the anglicised town names in the whole of the Northern Ireland changed (exclusively) back to Irish, because that is what they were originally. Additionally, let's force everyone to learn and speak in Irish, as that's what we all spoke before it was forcibly stamped out.
Lastly, are you married? Get your wife to change her name back to what is on her birth certificate.
To Comment No; 15
I was just curious no harm in that. I believe like you people can call themselves whatever they want. After all we have all sorts of language in N. Ireland - English, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese and Irish amongst others.
why is Mr McKay's surname not returned to its gaelic root - MacAodha?