DONEGAL GAA is to send a resolution to Croke Park calling on the GAA President, Aogán Ó Fearghai, to retract recent comments ‘regarding the national anthem and the flag’.
The call was made by Bundoran GAA delegate Michael McMahon at this afternoon’s County Convention in Donegal town.
At the recent All-Stars trip in Dubai, Ó Fearghail said that the flying of the Irish tricolour and the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann could be reviewed in the future.
The Cavan man appeared to row back on the comments last weekend when, speaking on RTÉ radio, he said: “A journalist at the interview simply asked me about that, and I said there was no issue with the flag flying around the world – the only place where it has ever caused some issues is back in our own country.
“I was asked a further question from a journalist – ‘would the GAA change its position at home regarding flying the flag and playing the anthem?’
“I replied we wouldn’t, that it was very much part and parcel of our culture, was very much valued by us and that it was a key part of our heritage and it will remain.”
The initial comments of the GAA’s top official in Dubai sparked widespread debate and McMahon, a former Sinn Féin Town Councillor in Bundoran, proposed that Donegal deliver a resolution to Croke Park on what he called ‘offensive’ remarks.
[adrotate group=”53″]The proposal from McMahon was seconded by Robert Emmets delegate Gerry Rush.
“He made statements that weren’t with the GAA in the context of the flag,” Mr McMahon said.
“It is a very serious situation. We shouldn’t be spellbound by what he said. He said something serious and derogatory, which could have serious effect to our culture as a country.
“We should send a resolution to say that this is unanimous. We need to confirm this.
[adrotate group=”46″]“It is important to the Association and to the people in this country. It is not asking too much.
“The emigrants of this country were very upset by the Uachtarán’s comments. The anthem and the flag are pure to us. We need to send a message that no way should the flag or the anthem be interfered with.”
Two leading Donegal County Board officials – Chairman Sean Dunnion and outgoing Chilren’s Officer Mick McGrath – defended the GAA President and claimed he had been ‘misquoted’ in Dubai.
[adrotate group=”38”]Mr Dunnion said: “I want to defend the Uachtarán. I spoke to him. He was misquoted in Dubai as to what he was saying. He has given the clarification.
“There is no threat to the anthem or flag as far as we are concerned.”
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