shitbrick
97 posts


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🇬🇧🇬🇧
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Allegedly
Daniel Kinahan arrested
I was told yesterday and asked to keep quiet until news broke
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
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Does this mean no more rack of the day
BBC News (World)@BBCWorld
Daniel Kinahan arrested in Dubai over serious organised crime bbc.in/4tivKBZ
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@pureblood1892 @caulmick @MaryLouMcDonald Is it better the devil you know though or give the a chance ffs, nothing to lose.
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@caulmick @MaryLouMcDonald They are as worse as the current government
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Wow. This is powerful 👏
Time now for an Election
You sent the Dáil home for 20 days while people were struggling.
@MaryLouMcDonald condems the arrogance and lack of empathy from the Government towards the people of the country.
You threatened people - including threatening to send in the army.
#FuelProtest ⛽️ #NoConfidenceGov #Dáil
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@RedBSierra @TRobinsonNewEra Sore hole calm down it’s about the fuel protests 😂
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@JamieBrysonLLB You should be banned from being anywhere near short strand giving your inability to conduct yourself properly.
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Cliftonville fans were once again allowed to attack homes in the Village and go on a rampage. They should be banned from Windsor Park given their inability to conduct themselves properly.
If this was Linfield or Glentoran fans there would be outrage, but as ever it will be swept under the carpet because nationalists must be appeased!
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@TheLiberal_ie Not ask yourself who owns the accommodations were the migrants are put 🤔
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Uproar after it emerges the govt spent over €1,000,000,000 on accommodating migrants looking for asylum.
Meanwhile, Ireland has 17,300 homeless.
theliberal.ie/uproar-after-i…
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@CelticMorgan96 Yes porky, but I’d still bend you over and do ya like a 🐶 wouldn’t even charge ya.
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@charlie_lawson1 @CatharineHoey Is that the 2 soldiers sacrificed to deflect from Gibraltar and mill town, poor lads sent to there deaths by the British government such a shame.
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I wonder will the two soldiers be remembered?!
Mark Simpson@BBCMarkSimpson
After 73 years, the Casement Park grandstand has gone. The site is almost clear now, for the next phase.
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@CelticMorgan96 Morgan any chance doing a raffle for a shag, I’ll take all the tickets 😁
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@Naam_Hi_Kafi_H Looks fine to me, leave the girl alone she’s probably a lovely person you morons.
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