Robinson Commends GAA 'Peace Keeping' Role

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has played an important role in 'peace-building' in Northern Ireland, according to First Minister Peter Robinson.

The DUP leader was the keynote speaker at the Co-Operation Ireland dinner in Queen’s University yesterday evening.

Mr Robinson paid tribute to the Co-Operation Ireland, a cross-border, cross community charity, saying it played a "very positive role" in the peace process.

"It is a sign of just how much things have changed that the GAA plays such a positive role as a delivery partner in this worthwhile project," he said.

"I believe that this programme is making a real contribution to the lives of young people in the Province and I believe that the buy-in of the GAA ensures that it has a reach right across the community.

"In the last few years Co-Operation Ireland has celebrated the role of rugby and football in peace-building and it is fitting that tonight we very publicly acknowledge the important role of the GAA. It is a testament to the progress that we have all made that tonight we can acknowledge the GAA’s role in peace-building by inviting a First Minister from the unionist tradition to the lectern.

"Not so many years ago it would have been unimaginable that I would have been invited to speak at an event of this kind - or that I would have accepted."

The First Minister said all three prominent sports organisations, the GAA, Ulster Rugby and the Irish Football Association (IFA) had made "a real contribution" to Northern Ireland society.

He continued: "I am entirely convinced that a shared and united society in Northern Ireland is the only way forward for all of us. Our challenge must be to make what is often merely a sound-bite into a meaningful reality.

"The task for politicians and indeed wider society is to reach out beyond what has been seen as 'our own community'. It’s always easier and more comfortable to retreat to safe and familiar ground, but that’s not the ground upon which progress will be made."

Mr Robinson concluded: "That is why I am publicly acknowledging the contribution that the GAA has been making towards this goal and I am confident that the work the organisation has done, and continues to do, will play a very significant role in the years to come in building a better and brighter future."

(IT/MH)