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‘Groundbreaking’ evenings in
Newtown
16.12.09
IT’S NOT every day that
members of the GAA, Orange Order and Ulster Scots
Association gather in the one room to explain their
historical and cultural roots but that’s exactly
what has been happening in Newtowncunningham in
recent weeks in an initiative sponsored by NCDI.
Following the most recent of these gatherings, Jim
Devenney of the East Donegal Ulster Scots
Association remarked that such gatherings were
“history in the making.”
Over 60 people turned up at the Naomh Colmcille GAA
clubhouse on Thursday evening last for the latest of
these information evenings, to hear Ulster GAA
secretary Danny Murphy deliver a presentation
entitled Playing Games & Practical Patriotism. Among
his audience were representatives of the local
Orange Order, Ulster-Scots Association, senior
members of the Donegal GAA County Board and local
GAA clubs.
According to NCDI Co-ordinator Pauline Lavin, the
project is part of an initiative developed for the
Peace III programme, which aims to reinforce peace
and reconciliation in border areas. “It allows
people come together to explain their organisations
to their neighbours across the community –
organisations some of us know a little about and
others some of us know very little about. Such
discussions help break down barriers and
preconceptions.” |
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In an hour-long
presentation, Murphy talked his audience through the
colourful 125-year history of the GAA, from its
inception in 1884 through to the role it played in
the peace process – including the abolishment of
Rule 21 which had banned members of the police and
British Army from playing Gaelic games.
Referring to the Northern conflict, Murphy expanded:
“It goes without saying that society has not been
stable in the North. Even this year people have been
murdered. Yet politics has at least got to the
starting line and people have largely stopped
killing each other. People voted for a shared future
and respecting diversity is key to that. If someone
is a member of the GAA, the Orange Order or the
Ulster-Scots they must be given respect. We all have
to move away from being offended by other people’s
cultures. We are building peace in this country and
the GAA will not be found wanting in playing our
role.”
Jim Devenney, speaking at the conclusion of the
presentation, was glowing in his praise: “As an
Ulster Scot who is devoutly committed to the Good
Friday Agreement, I would go so far to say that
gatherings such as these are groundbreaking –
history in the making. I found the presentation very
enlightening – it’s a pity I had to wait all these
years to hear it. We live in an embedded community
here where respect and tolerance have always been
extended but this is just wonderful. More of this
needs to happen. I was interested to hear how the
GAA has evolved and continues to rediscover itself.
All of us here have to make a similar journey.”
Kieran Friel, an executive member of the Naomh
Colmcille GAA club, added: “We have to look back to
look forward. We in Newtown see ourselves as
groundbreakers and this is only the start.” Stewart
McClean, a member of the local Orange Order lodge,
said: “It was a very informative presentation and it
is good to be here. The presentation in the Orange
Hall last week also went very well. It was
interesting to hear the similarities. Danny Murphy
explained how GAA members identify themselves by
what club they belong to – Orange Order members
would appreciate that as they too identify
themselves by their lodge.”
(Inishowen Independent) |
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