Cardinal Sean Brady requests GAA to stop games clashing with mass

Reading the above story of 2010, where he states "I will not resign in sex abuse scandal", the confidentialities signed not only by the two lads in the article, but ALL recepients worldwide, have given them the upper hand, to make whatever demands they wish. In other words: they have everyone by the short and curly.

Sirpeter I agree somewhat, we do need faith to hold us together, the church yes, but I would mean the building, gives you peace and children do need that too. But the pope, bishops and clergy at this time have to go. The religion itself has to be given a new book as well, something for the people and not Rome. just heard now that the driver of the Freedom Bus has been arrested, hope this won't start trouble...

With 50,000 Muslims in the country the GAA should halt ALL games during Ramadan. Pandering only to the Catholics is RACIST!

Hi sirpeter. Long time. Seanomelbourne spoke my thoughts in his post. It sould seem to me that the Cardinal is latching on to an issue that he is using in an effort (vain in my judgment) to re-instate the power of the church at parish level. You're right of course about the need for balance in terms of the physical and spiritual, but at first glance, the church is not considering this. Add to that the fact that if Kids were genuinely motivated to attend mass as well as their training, they would go to an earlier mass in their parish (if available) or to a neighbouring parish, or to a saturday evening mass. Either that or as Seanomelbourne says, have an earlier mass in the parish.No, it would seem to me that the Cardinal is intent on an "absolutist" stance (my way or none) I'm actually quite intrigued at his motives for doing so at this particular time as well!! Based on my own personal experience with my own kids, I dont believe that this is as big an issue as the church is making out, and the Cardinal, for whatver reason, is choosing to use a "Sledge to crack a nut"!!

The children would benefit more from playing or watching sport. More church only gives them more guilt and baggage to take through life. As God has not manifested himself or herself to anyone on earth they are better off with reality and truth. At certain ages will tell our children that there in no real father christmas or faries the same should apply to religion.

Whatever about tearing down the authority of the Church.Personally I don't care.Weather we like it or not or aware of or spirituality or not.If hard times fall on any of us.If you can't tune in to your inner spirit.It could be a very rough ride.Kids need to learn how to do that.It does stand to us at certain times in life.Maybe we need to accommodate that too.I think the Cardinal is right.There is to much over stimulation when it comes to kids anyway.Been in a church has a calming effect.I challenge anybody who honestly says they feel more stressed coming out of a church then they are going in.See how stressed kids are when they don't get their game.

@seanomelbourne - Absolutely. Could this be another instance of the church unable or unwilling to compete with the secular world and wants to "move the goal posts" as a result?? (My God, such a terrible an unintended pun :)!!!)

change mass times to fit in with the matches. Brady doe's not get it the era of the autocratic PP's and Bishops is over.

If the young ones are out on the pitch making the best of their God given talents, then that is probably as good a way to bear witness to the presence of God in their lives.

LOL, portia, the game is NOT over for those that live the Catholic faith. This has to be the most anti-Catholic forum that I have ever seen. May God forgive us all.

The boys in dresses just do not know when the game is over and they have lost.

Stop Having Mass Clash with Matches!!!

In the south of Ireland they started Saturday evening mass years ago to suit the priests. Getting the GAA to change the playing time is not going to bring the congregation back. Send them to the church as alter boys or send them to hurling practice, the kids made the right choice.

Poor Brady, still mired in the 16th century, even with the costumes straight out of medieval Rome. Too many of the hierarchy are still obsessed with using their long gone authority to control the decisions of their "flock". It's long past time that they get out of people's lives and restrict their "advice" to matters of concern and lived out by Jesus, who certainly was NOT obsessed with ruling, with power, with judgment

The clergy are still trying to RULE.