It is a simple statement 0f only 69 words but the importance coming from a sporting body that traditionally and very deliberately eschews any political affiliation should not be underestimated.

 

“The GAA and the GPA share the deep concerns expressed by many of our members about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in Gaza.”

“We support the Irish Government and International Community’s calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire which will allow aid to reach Gaza and for all hostages to be released.”

“We will be donating to the Irish Red Cross to support relief work in Gaza.”

 

GAA President Jarlath Burns is reported to have met with the Gaels against Genocide grassroots collective in recent weeks and the subject was discussed at the GAA Central Council meeting this month.

It is being held out as a humanitarian rather than a political statement but the two are so closely intertwined when it comes to the deliberate action of a state in the death of 34,000, the wounding of 77,000 and the missing of 11,000 in a strip of land one third the size of County Louth, the difference is immaterial.

Some will decry the statement as anti-semitic.  Challenge them on it.  It is pro-human and certainly condemnatory of the state of Israel but conflating it with religious intolerance is wrong, one of so many elements of this crisis that make it almost impossible to understand how the world remains largely in standby mode on taking action.  It calls for the release of all hostages and so also implies criticism of Hamas and the October 7th murders, as it should.

The subject of political protest was central to the Sport for Business members Round Table we held in February where arguments were made on both sides, and the downstream consequence of action and inaction were teased out.

The GAA does not allow its premises to be used for political gatherings, even for meetings of local politicians.  That is a more gentle non-political stance but one which is understandable in the parish pump style political that Ireland excels in.

This is more. This is something that represents another statement from Ireland that it will not stand by.   The two organisations have to be applauded for that.

 

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