GAA Grants Kicked Into Controversy

Politics has taken to the sporting field in Northern Ireland.

Just weeks after the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) agreed to investigate a hunger strike commemoration in one of its facilities, a proposal to cut official funding to the sports body has been made.

It emerged today that GAA clubs could have their funding cut if they continue to adopt the names of dead IRA members.

Stormont Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland said that he has instructed officials to examine whether some of the GAA's activities mean that it is "not promoting equality of opportunity".

He said that, following that review, he will make a decision on the issue.

This political football match has now almost reached the finals after a preliminary match led to an 'own goal' by the GAA.

It allowed its grounds at Galbally, Co Tyrone, to be used in August for an overtly Sinn Féin hunger strike commemoration.

Many unionists were offended when photos of men dressed as IRA volunteers - wearing balaclavas and carrying replica weapons - appeared on the Internet.

According to the BBC, senior GAA figures are understood to have been furious that the event was held on one of their grounds.

However, in advance of the body's report - expected in November - Mr McCausland has moved the issue off the touchline and kicked it straight into the floodlights again.

Referring to the offical body that funds sporting activities, he said: "Sport NI funding programmes have an equality clause as a standard condition of their grants.

"Sport NI may suspend, reduce or stop payments or reclaim the grant in full if this clause is breached.

"I believe there is no place in sport for the naming of clubs, grounds or competitions after deceased terrorists and this practice is certainly not in keeping with the promotion of good relations as required under the equality legislation."

Nelson McCausland said officials were currently examining clauses in Sport NI's grant-making arrangements to advise if changes should be considered.

In response, Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said there were no alternative venues in rural areas.

He claimed the events were appropriate and said: "We were remembering, not terrorists but inspirational, politically-motivated Irish hunger strikers."

Mr McElduff, who was speaking in a party capacity rather than as Chairman of the Assembly's Culture, Arts and Leisure committee, which effectively 'oversees' Mr McCausland's Ministerial role continued: "Many young people are curious to know the story of these hunger strikers who laid down their lives for Irish freedom."

However, Mr McCausland said the event was a breach of the GAA's rule 7a, which states the organisation should be non-party political.

(BMcC/KMcA)