GAA President Jarlath Burns has said that anti-Allianz protests which forced the adjournment of Annual Congress at Croke Park “crossed a line”, confirming that security personnel and volunteers were injured after demonstrators forced their way into the venue.

Delegates were debating Motion 15 on Saturday afternoon when a number of protesters entered the congress hall, some approaching the top table and unfurling a banner behind senior GAA officials while others chanted and shouted “shame” at those in attendance. Congress was temporarily adjourned as demonstrators left and delegates filed out of the auditorium.

The disruption comes against the backdrop of the GAA’s decision in December to maintain its commercial partnership with Allianz, despite calls from several county boards to sever ties with the insurance group.

A meeting of An Coiste Bainistíochta heard a report from the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) and ultimately accepted its recommendation to retain the relationship. The issue arose after Allianz, through its German parent company, was named among a series of companies in a report by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese.

“A Line Was Crossed”

On the resumption of Congress shortly after 2pm, Burns delivered an emotional response, referencing his upbringing in south Armagh during the Troubles and the murder of a friend at Donnelly’s Bar in Silverbridge 50 years ago.

“I don’t need any lectures about what it’s like to feel the pressure of illegal occupation,” he told delegates. “I don’t need any lectures or people shouting in my face about what it’s like to go to bed at night fearful that somebody would barge into your bedroom and riddle you with bullets because that was my lived experience when I was young.”

Addressing the events inside headquarters, Burns added: “We’ve always facilitated peaceful protests. We’ve even facilitated it in some fields at half-time in some of our matches this year, even though it’s against our regulations.

“But there are almost unwritten rules of engagement between peaceful protests and the allowance of peaceful protests. I think there was a line crossed today; coming into our property and disrupting our Congress is unacceptable.”

He confirmed that members of the security team and volunteers sustained injuries as protesters attempted to gain entry.

“That is totally unacceptable,” Burns said. “We have a right to carry out our Congress unfettered. We are a democratic organisation. That is a democratically convened gathering every year.”

Burns praised the restraint shown by delegates, noting that some “put themselves in harm’s way” in an effort to contain the disruption and maintain order.

Security Review to Follow

In the wake of the breach, the GAA will review its security arrangements at headquarters.

“We will review it because we have a duty of care to all of the delegates who come and to all of our staff and to the security team,” Burns said. “Of course whenever there is a breach in security we will review our procedures.”

A crowd of around 200 had gathered outside Croke Park throughout the day, with drums and chanting audible inside the congress hall as motions were debated. While Burns said the Association had anticipated protest activity following social media mobilisation, ironically organised using technologies supplied by companies also listed in the UN report, he admitted he did not expect demonstrators to enter the stadium.

“I honestly didn’t think that they would breach and try and come into Croke Park, a sacred place, and carry out the unedifying scenes and assault our staff,” he said. “There’s a line that was crossed today and it’s unacceptable.”

Wider Reaction

Among those present at protests outside the ground was Tyrone legend Peter Canavan, who later referenced Burns’ remarks while working as a pundit on RTÉ’s coverage of Kildare v Meath. Canavan said much of Burns’ reflection on growing up during the Troubles “struck a chord”, while also arguing that the Association now had “an opportunity to do the right thing” in relation to the Allianz partnership.

That final reference conveniently glosses over the increasingly complex intersection between the way we live our daily lives, as well as in the narrower world of commercial partnerships, global political scrutiny and member democracy.

 

Image Credit: Athletics Ireland

ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS

Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.

Find out more about becoming a member today.

Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.

Upcoming Events