The animosity in Northern Ireland at the height of The Troubles was such that regular terrorist attacks occurred against Nationalists, whose only crime was playing Gaelic games.
GAA players and officials were regularly singled out for attack, and some of the most horrific slayings of The Troubles involved GAA personnel in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The GAA is the very symbol of nationalism.
The ancient Irish games have been played since 1884 in organized form, but before that they were played in various times in less organized fashion.
Ulster Protestants have never played the games and have shunned attending them, even when their counties were in All-Ireland finals, the Super Bowl of the GAA world.
That is why it was such a remarkable event to see the Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson attend a GAA game between Tyrone and Derry on Saturday night.
The attendance of Robinson speaks volumes for the man, and further indicates how much progress has been made in the peace process.
His fellow leader, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness, stated that Robinson received a warm reception from the fans.
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McGuinness said Robinson’s presence was indicative of “an inclusive approach,” and was “another little piece of history."
"Peter got a very warm reception from everyone he met at the game. It was wonderful to have him there,” McGuinness said.
Gregory Campbell, a hard-line Unionist, actually agreed with Robinson attending the game.
“I think these issues are more about gestures. This is about symbolism and a gesture," he said.
"I think if it is offered in that context and received in that context then I would not quibble about it. The GAA has been travelling in the right direction for some time now."
Of course it is all about symbolism in a state where symbols matter to the point where people kill for them.
When Robinson came to power there were many questions as to whether he would extend the hand of friendship as his predecessor Ian Paisley did.
His attendance at Saturday night’s game is another example of his clear intent in that regard.
It has been a good week for Northern Ireland. The city of Derry secured the Fleadh Cheoil, a lollapalooza of traditional Irish music that is expected to bring $40 million to the city’s coffers.
Such is the peace dividend for the North, and we should never let anyone forget it.
13 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.johnshiel | Feb 09, 2012, 09:05 AM EST
we all know from experience how good it feels to hold onto an angry grudge... is it possible that letting go of it feels even better?
SeamusMartin | Feb 03, 2012, 01:34 PM EST
Blessed are the peacemakers!
RockNReel | Feb 03, 2012, 09:57 AM EST
Its just a matter of time now before an agreement will be made regarding the 32 counties being united--obviously after several referendums and squabbles but nevertheless unity is on the horizon be it 10 yrs or 20 yrs --it matters not !! The hand of friendship has been grasped by both sides and The Giant Leap of Faith as described by Gerry Adams has been taken. Its up to the people now.
Paradigm | Feb 03, 2012, 08:42 AM EST
Tell the GAA to have a thorough search of their deeds - Robinson has probably managed to buy the odd acre off the pitch for a fiver (£5) - the like has happened before.
ciaradexy | Feb 03, 2012, 08:15 AM EST
As an Irish woman, this pleases me!
IrelandNorth | Feb 03, 2012, 06:21 AM EST
Hope Peadar Mhic Robin/Peter Robinson, (an Cead Aire/First Minister na Tuairscirt Eireann/Northern Ireland was cheering for Martin's home county - An Doire/Derry. Before ya know it, Martin will be having tea and crumpets after playing criocket with Mrs. Windsor herself (ooops, pardon the commoner garden indiscretion. I meant of course: Her scintillatingly brilliant, positively divine and levitating Royal Brittanic, Majesty Elizabatus Secundus Reginus (EIIR). Still, ya can't fault the Freemasons for stage managing an impresive peace process, ca ya? Fair play to 'em!
Irishphotograph | Feb 02, 2012, 09:00 PM EST
Daithi you say -------Is this the same Peter Robinson that once mumbled 'A good Taig, is a dead Taig.'-----and Martin McGuinness at one time would have put a bullet through his brain.....I guess theyre even now right?....this above is a positive move. Time for Peace
brianmack | Feb 02, 2012, 08:39 PM EST
Peter Robinson has brought a ray of sunshine in a world that hasn't seen "light" for some time. The peace in Northern Ireland is nothing short of a miracle. Best to you, Mr. Robinson, Martin McGuiness and those who kept the faith. I've learned a bit about forgiveness via your acts.
pilib04 | Feb 02, 2012, 08:20 PM EST
Daithi, sure would like a source for the Taig quote. Peter Robinson has moved the DUP closer to reality than any other Northern Ireland leader. Last year Robinson said that the DUP needed to begin reaching out and recruiting Catholics into the DUP. Martin McGuinness is slated to visit Windsor Park for a Northern Ireland football match. Presumably Robinson will play host. We should keep in mind that the DUP and Sinn Fein are political partners in ruling Northern Ireland.
DaithiSuibhne | Feb 02, 2012, 05:56 PM EST
Are you kidding me? Is this the same Peter Robinson that once mumbled 'A good Taig, is a dead Taig.' Watch out for ' A wolf in sheeps clothing.' As for the McGuinness quote, this lad has changed sides so many times it makes your head spin, I can't believe anything he spews out. It always has a stench of manure.
TayandCake | Feb 02, 2012, 05:54 PM EST
Mrs Robinson's lover wasn't a "young nationalist". V
Jamcelt | Feb 02, 2012, 12:16 PM EST
Good for him. Just hope the rest of his ilk show the same intent. Mind you, given his wife's hunger for young Nationalists, he was probably more interested in looking in the changing rooms....
brennanirish | Feb 02, 2012, 10:17 AM EST
"When Robinson came to power there were many questions as to whether he would extend the hand of friendship as his predecessor Ian Paisley DID" IS THIS A TRUE STATMENT?