22 July 2009
Noted and Appreciated
The numbers attending the Ulster Senior Football Final in Clones were possibly the highest on record and their behaviour was noted for the very best of reasons. Guardia reported the lowest level of incidents for many years, which speaks volumes for those attending the Final.
As with Rugby in Ireland the battles are invariably fought on the field and the pints and the craic shared in a congenial atmosphere, both before and afterwards. This, ideally, should be the indelible hallmark of Gaelic Games, where families and children can all feel safe and at ease, whilst having a great day out.
The few exceptions, where some might seek to use such opportunity to display their knowledge of provocative or abusive songs, otherwise and more often associated with hoards’ of ‘soccer fans’, reflects badly on those involved and is a worry for families.
Both Tyrone and Antrim supporters were terrific on Sunday and there has been a lot of favourable comment in consequence . Supporters deserve all due credit for such sportsmanlike behaviour. This in truth is what the ethos of Gaa is really all about.
Lawrence Smyth Antrim PRO
