Gaa

I believe the term is Republican dissidents. I hate them too and I am an Irish nationalist, they don't represent my views in any way.

 

No, not at all, they do have an Irish forward and have,like Rangers, had many Irish players in the past.

Why do you hate Irish Loyalist Protestants?

 

Like I said PROVE IT IS WRONG.

You keep chirping on about this being an allegation yet you have failed to deliver any evidence whatsoever to put the validity of this article, the journalist or the lad into question.

For all that hasn't read it yet, take a look and judge for yourself if you think what Rebel does and this is a fictious story.

Protestant quits Gaelic football accusing fellow players of bigotry

For much of his life sport has been Darren Graham’s only religion, but in recent years his biggest challenge on the pitch has been religious bigotry.

Last week, the 25-year-old joiner decided that he could no longer take the constant sectarian abuse he received as a Protestant Gaelic football player and walked off during a game for his club, Lisnaskea Emmets.

Graham is the only non-Roman Catholic player of Gaelic games in Fermanagh, and his departure is a blow to the efforts by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) to recruit Protestants.

His story is a salutary reminder of just how far Northern Ireland still has to travel before its wounds heal.

Graham’s mother is Catholic. His father, Cecil, a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was murdered by the Provisional IRA in 1981 as he visited his wife, who was staying with her parents in a Republican area because Darren was premature and needed constant attention. Two of Graham’s uncles were also killed by the Provisional IRA.

The Province has a deeply ingrained sporting code in which Catholics play Gaelic football and hurling and Protestants play rugby and hockey. Catholics support Glasgow Celtic while Protestants cheer for Rangers.

Graham began playing Gaelic Games at 12, but it was only when he began to show a real talent that the sectarian abuse began. He said: “I’ve been getting it from opponents and supporters. It was not really bad until I got to senior level, when I was 18. It’s definitely because I’m a Protestant. I’ve been told Protestants shouldn’t be allowed in the GAA.”

The final straw came Sunday last week. He said: “I told my club I was quitting and I’m not going back until something is done about it.”He said that he could name up to a dozen players who had subjected him to verbal hatred and referees who failed to protect him from taunts.

It was not until 2001 that the GAA lifted its ban on members of Northern Ireland’s security forces joining. The rule banning anyone who played “foreign” games such as rugby or football was also dropped. The last great taboo was broken earlier this year when England played Ireland in the Six Nations Rugby Championship at Croke Park in Dublin, the home of Gaelic games.

Graham said: “The GAA is asking for Protestants to get more into the sport. But what’s the point if they are going to listen to stuff like that? Unless there’s a formal apology by the County, I won’t be back.”

Deirdre Donnelly, a spokeswoman for Fermanagh County Board, said: “If Darren has an issue he should go through his club. We are awaiting a referee’s report from the game. Abuse of any description is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Nickey Brennan, president of the GAA, said: “I’d be more than happy to meet the young man and invite him to Croke Park to one of the big games and let him see that we want all religions to be part of the GAA.”

Graham said that the offer was a positive move, but only if the real problem was dealt with.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle2204039.ece

 

So you hate a group of people based on their religion.

Yet again, you have stood up and identified yourself as a bigot.

 

This is not a reflection of the GAA as an organisation. The fact is anyone can play Gaelic Games from Protestants to PSNI officers but many choose not to. That guy accused his fellow players and supporters and like all sports Gaelic games have a minority of idiot fans and players who ruin it for everyone else.

 

You are admitting to hating a group of people approx 900,000 strong because of their religion.

That does in fact make you a bigot.

 

I am sure you can understand why.

 

Why? We hear all the time that the country has evolved and that the past is to be left in the past where it belongs. If this is really the case why wouldn't they?

 

Its there for everyone to see. You admitted hating certain people simply because of their religion.

You admitted the term hun refered to Unionists, then continued to hurl derogatory comments at myself including the word hun.

You barked at people for name calling, then proceeded to call my offensive names at the same time.

You certainly are a little bigoted bundle of contradictions!

 

The close association with Irish terrorists and the GAA for a start. I know many people myself included that would not participate in a sport linked with this. I'm sure you would feel the same if the shoe was on the other foot.

That security forces rule and the fact that bullying has and no doubt would occur more if more protestants would enter the sport.

I am a football man and football only, I watch only that and occasionally boxing. No other sports interest me.

 

Here ya go.