21 April 2009
The Gaelic Athletic Association is currently celebrating 125 years since its inception. Throughout the whole Island of Ireland and yet again in many countries elsewhere, there is a current focus upon the relevance of Gaa, in terms of its positive impact upon Irish society. Perhaps one of the most ‘short shock’ or otherwise effective ways to evaluate the real contribution of GAA to Irish societ, would be, for a moment, to contemplate a summer season without its various activities.
Gaelic games, ethical codes and related sporting and cultural pursuits, which make up the totality and ethos of Gaa, are at the very heart and soul of our Irish identity. No greater voluntary contribution to community life has ever or elsewhere been made or sustained, than that in the service to the Irish people of the Gaa. Essentially uncorrupted, to date, by corporate infiltration or influence or other adverse materialistic effect, the Gaa has been able to withstand every challenge to its progressive development and in some situations to its very existence; we at least owe a depth of gratitude to generations before us for that.
Collective care, within communities, in terms of the welfare of our children and our children’s children, is central to the establishment of sustainable values, along with a marked contribution to the general state of good physical and mental health of all participants. Gaelic games and associated pursuits, are in essence good for all, in terms of their contribution to positive and healthy character development.
Like every other aspect of life, Gaa will have its share of critics, mainly uninformed criticism; the norm, which regularly comes so free and easy, often with a copious dressing of envy. Unfair criticism notwithstanding, the modus operandi of Gaa, with regard to governance, is both open and transparent, making adequate allowance for periodic and progressive change. As and where deemed desirable or otherwise necessary, changes are essentially affected through a transparent process of debate and consensus within County, Provincial and All Ireland Forums. Annual Congress is ultimately the stage for further and final debate, with decision by way of open voting, in turn carried out by appointed and or elected delegates, representing every aspect of Gaa.
The Gaa was born in difficult times for Irish people. It was essentially community based recreation, often for those with little hope of social inclusion, as it remains to this day, culminating in all Ireland glory where winner takes all. It has developed into a very complex organisation, over the intervening period since its inception but has in absolute terms has maintained a primary focus upon the importance of local club and Parish activity; these being the very foundation stones of Gaa. It could well come to pass that once again, in relevant economic terms, we are sliding towards difficult times ahead.
There is much now in evidence to the effect that for many, wanton materialism, along with its unacceptable and detrimental impact upon limited natural resources and attendant pollution of the environment, may have finally peaked; that the future will be at best challenging, because our ‘plastic economy’ is now in melt down. Such a major reversal, away from vain perceptions of affluence based upon the availability of almost unlimited credit facilities, could present a difficult return journey to reality. Should this be the case, the Gaa with its intrinsic and sustainable values could well have the galvanising capacity to continue to support and encourage a community in trouble.
The Gaa was founded upon community need, within an environment of relative poverty. It has grown exponentially and has within it elements of a number of cherished family values, some of which were all but being lost within a sea of materialism. The Gaa has a non materialistic foundation and has much to offer Irish communities in time of trouble. In this age of ‘dawning equalisation’, financial resources will of necessity have to be allocated in proportion, within a society hitherto much neglected. All things considered the future for Gaa is bright.
Lawrence Smyth Antrim PRO.
