The Irish language lobby today launching a report alongside Queens about how the language should be weaponised for the political agenda of pursuing a United Ireland.
They are doing a great job of highlighting how politically controversial the Irish language is.
I don't know where to start !!!im absolutely shattered after seeing these performances over the last 12 months since we won the league v spurs.
This will be our 11 th defeat of the season in the league and over 12 months more.Some of the things i'm seeing astounds me.Weve no identity whatsoever.
The wearing of GAA tops is less about a deliberate strategy to provoke or unsettle Unionists, although more would intend that than many would care to admit, and more about how central the GAA is within the cultural fabric of Republicanism. There is no denying the institution is an impressive one. Spreading right across the whole island and beyond. A genuine grassroots sporting body providing so many people, both young and old, the opportunity for camaraderie, community and competition.
As great as all those things are, and they truly are great, none of it takes away from the GAA’s obvious and unavoidable controversial nature. Whether members realise or not, and many of them don’t, the GAA is inherently political - both historically and contemporarily.
It’s in its DNA. It’s in its constitution. It’s all over the mechanics and paraphernalia of the institution. It’s downright ignorant and simply dishonest to pretend otherwise.
Until GAA leadership and ambassadors tackle the ongoing glorification of terrorism within its institution, and surgically remove the political dimension within its own governance, it will never be viewed as truly inclusive - and why would it?
If it continues to look the other way to sectarianism, allows clubs and cups to honour IRA killers, and advocate for political objectives, it will always be controversial, viewed with hostility by many, and never achieve the cross-community support that other sports enjoy. It has so much to learn from rugby and football, but instead, it brands them as “imported” or “foreign” games.
The question really is; how much do those within the GAA leadership really care about that? It’s obvious that they don’t. In fact, they know their organisation is political, and view that as part of the GAA’s core identity. They don’t want to be like the FA, or even the Ulster Branch of the IRFU, which are genuine cross-community institutions.
Setting all that aside, @JamieBrysonLLB recent remarks are valid. He is right in what he says. Unionists should be confident in who they are, but not by simply reacting to others. The British in Northern Ireland are equally proud of their culture, their colours, their institutions, and should have no hesitancy in expressing their identity with confidence and authenticity - without shame or restraint.
Our post-conflict society had viewed cultural labels and single community symbols as controversial and sensitive. It went as far as perpetuating the idea that it would be considered offensive or inappropriate to wear or show such symbols.
It’s fair to say that Nationalism, mainly a younger generation, has entirely discarded that mindset. And so they should. They are being unashamedly them - and fair play to them for it. Bryson’s point is more about encouraging Unionists to follow suit. Not reacting in petulance or provocation, but by being unashamedly themselves, with equal veracity.
Be who you are. Wear whatever the hell you want. Do not hide your identity. Do not worry about “offence.” Proudly, and unashamedly, express that which is dear to you, and don’t do it just to poke someone else in the eye, but because it’s fundamentally part of who you are, and in turn, it will empower others to do the same. It will help cultivate and reinforce the confident, positive and proud community that is unashamedly British within Northern Ireland.
No Surrender🇬🇧🇬🇧
🧵 1/6 A student at Queen’s University Belfast has confided in me about their experience in challenging those who support the ongoing referendum on Irish language signage. Their experience is concerning and they felt intimidated by the response they received.
12 most overhyped PL players ever:
- Jaap Stam: Only 79 PL games for Utd before Fergie sold him.
- Paul Scholes: Zero impact for England; retired by Lampard/Gerrard at 29.
- David Beckham: Flopped at Real Madrid; not missed by Utd.
- Eric Cantona: Never performed in Europe or internationally.
- Didier Drogba: Avg just 11 PL goals/season (many pens).
- Frank Lampard: Defensive liability; poor all-round game; ~40% goals from set pieces.
- Eden Hazard: Avg 12 PL goals/season; only 1 season ≥20 in 7 yrs.
- Willian: Avg just 5 goals/season.
- Jack Grealish: £100m+ transfer; avg only 3 PL goals/season.
- Mesut Özil: Ghosted in big games; luxury player; avg 4 PL goals/season.
- Cole Palmer: 40% of 45 PL goals from pens; rarely vs Big 6; only 2 open-play goals vs top teams.
- Phil Foden: Hailed best England player since Gazza despite 4 intl goals in 49 caps.
Did I miss anyone 😄
Speaking to @BBCMarkSimpson BBC following latest positive developments in Ann McClure’s case. This challenge is to the unlawful process for ‘call-in’ safeguards being deployed by Belfast City Council, which is depriving unionists of any minority protection at all.