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Issue No.7 Winter 2001
Events & Comments
New beginning in Irish
sport
Dear Editor
Your magazine has proved to be a sound forum for debate and thinking on a
diversity of issues relating directly to the conflict and to the legacy of our
history. I wish you well and hope that this unique and timely project will
continue and bear fruit. I have read all editions and have visited your website
(which I think needs up-dated) and recall an article in your first edition was
based on a visit of loyalists to a GAA club (Kilmacrud) in Dublin. It proved to
be a good first hand experience to see the emphasis on the communal and family
aspects of involvement in GAA sport
I hope it is appropriate to mention now that Rule 21 was a matter criticised in
the article by the Loyalist visitors and that this has been rectified by the GAA.
A new precedent has been established which should encourage people from the
Unionist community to change their attitudes and hopefully participate in GAA
sports. Times are changing and the GAA constitution is not the only one which
has been amended to adapt to change. Many GAA supporters in the north have
strong reservations but none the less accept the wishes of the majority of clubs
throughout Ireland. The GAA could, of course, do more to be inclusive, break
down barriers and challenge misconceptions within Unionism and should now reach
out in practical ways by promoting cross-cultural exchanges and inter sport
events. This is already happening within rugby, gaelic football and soccer. The
issue of naked bigotry within northern soccer is currently being addressed. This
is a deeply complex issue that will again be in focus as allegiances are once
more challenged during the world cup play offs next year. But progress, like
peace, comes falling slowly...
Good luck,
Yours sincerely
Joseph McNamara
Clontarf, Dublin
Co-operation Ireland celebrates achievements of Peace 1
UTV personality Pamela Ballantine presented a
celebration of the achievements of Peace 1 in the Ormeau Baths Gallery in
Belfast in December 2001. In the course of the celebrations, Tony Kennedy, CEO
Co-operation Ireland, announced a package totalling £22 million to promote
peace and reconciliation over the next five years. Also present were
representatives from a wide range of groups including those from republican and
loyalist backgrounds. John McKinney, head of SEUBP, addressed the gathering and
said that he would like to see as many groups as possible take part in projects
promoting peace and reconciliation throughout Ireland.
One time prominent loyalist Mr.Andy Terrie was
said that Co-operation Ireland was keen to encourage protestant working class
groups to take the opportunity and establish their projects.'Working with groups
across the Border, from the likes of pensioners to football groups, had
definitely helped break down barriers and myths...'
Tommy McKearney attended the event on behalf of The Other View
Magazine
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