30 July 2009
What follows is strangely contradictory perhaps but I think that it is worth sharing. To move forward together we have to start somewhere.
I was reliably informed that Gaa flags had appeared on the Malone Road recently, specifically Antrim County flags, in consequence of the remarkable sporting achievement of that county, your county, my county, our county, and notably during the course of the current GAA Championship season.
What was unusual was that the information came from no less a source than a News Letter Journalist, who had written in effect to request further ‘explanation and comment’ from a GAA perspective, and again why not, for there was and is nothing untoward in this otherwise unusual occurrence.
The questions being raised were duly addressed, with relevant comment and a seemingly grateful Journalist then acknowledged the detailed response, in a manner as to suggest possible room for progress, towards better understanding. When the News Letter Journalist went further, to suggest that responses and comment were to be included in a forthcoming ‘follow up article’ ,being produced by the said Journalist, there was seemingly room to be optimistic; believing that a new dawning might just be possible?
A cautionary follow up, a few days later, to ask when the said article might be published, revealed a different and lowered tone and a somewhat surprising change of circumstances; the topic was apparently being dropped, no longer relevant? Some of the flags had been taken down in the interim!
Reading into sensitive political issues, as in situations of this nature, is always fascinating; undercurrents are strong and invariably abound. However, there are issues of significant relevance and importance here and people should perhaps be permitted, even encouraged, to think outside of the narrow confines of empowered editors, who perhaps all too often protect and propagate the status quo and with it, leave us stuck with our polluted and prejudicial mindsets and mired politics.
‘We’ must be permitted and encouraged to move onward and upward, towards a more tolerant and inclusive society. It is a sick society that cannot otherwise freely reach out and embrace GAA as a tremendous source of exciting and sporting family entertainment. A pertinent question arises. Was the piece screened out because it leans towards facing up to difficulty, healing divisions and invites a more tolerant attitude with the objective of sharing great sporting achievement?
Herewith is the related correspondence. Be your own judge.
> From: Andrew Johnston [mailto:a.johnston1973@googlemail.com]
> Sent: 27 July 2009 21:06
> To: Lawrence Smyth
> Subject: Re: Antrim GAA flags in Malone area - GAA comment
>
>Hi Lawrence,
Many, many thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to send this thoughtful and pertinent statement. I look forward to including your comments in the article.
>
> Regards,
> Andrew
>
> Sent from my iPhone
On 27 Jul 2009, at 19:42, "Lawrence Smyth"
wrote:
>
> Hi Andrew, It is a sad reality that every conceivable opportunity to ‘take offence’ will be explored and exploited by someone somewhere; almost without exception.
I am otherwise unaware of the circumstances of this case but can reasonably conclude that Antrim Senior Footballers, as in those pursuing Gaelic games, now have followers and supporters everywhere, including it would seem the Malone Road. Could we perhaps be moving on from an erstwhile intolerable situation, where almost anything with an Irish dimension was by default a taboo for some?
If truth be told there are many who are now prepared to think outside of narrow parochial and political parameters, who genuinely want to integrate and move forward; is this after all not in effect the very basis of true Christianity.
What has just been achieved, in sporting terms, by a young and inexperienced Antrim Senior football Team, has been a once in a lifetime accomplishment and a positive experience for any and everyone even remotely interested in healthy sporting activity.
Gaa has certainly moved on a pace and its doors are open to any and all, irrespective of race or creed. With regard to Gaa in the Malone area, yes, absolutely, there is in existence a progressive and sharing mentality, alive and well, albeit mainly amongst better educated and professional people.
This takes the form of long standing respect and mutual agreement of convenience, between Harlequins Rugby Club and St Brigids GAC, who have for long shared sporting facilities; effectively based on the Malone Road.
In almost every situation, it seems, we first analyse for opportunity
to exploit negativity. Whether it is to be found in religious
difference, politics or even in sport, there are still those ‘peddlers of division’, in our all too divided society. There are yet again all too many closed minds, seemingly mired in the past and burdened down with prejudice. It is long past time to take stock and find the courage to place all emphasis upon mending bridges and fixing fences,so that we might all learn to understand, accept difference and pay due respect to valiant sporting achievement, irrespective of source. Lawrence Smyth PRO Antrim GAA.
>
>
>
> From: Andrew Johnston [mailto:a.johnston1973@googlemail.com]
> Sent: 27 July 2009 17:29
> To: law.smyth@btinternet.com
> Subject: Antrim GAA flags in Malone area - GAA comment
>
> Hi Lawrence,
> I'm a news reporter at the Belfast News Letter. I'm working on a follow-up to a story we ran last week about GAA flags in the Malone Road area. I've spoken to a number of local residents, some of whom feel the flags should never have been flown and some who feel there is no problem.
It would be most appreciated if you could give me a comment on the situation from the GAA's perspective, and also confirm the location of the nearest GAA club or training ground in the local area.
