29 November 2009
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What has the GAA ever done for me?
Does that question sound familiar – it certainly would if you had ever volunteered to serve the needs of GAA in your Parish or County and in doing so were involved in almost any and every form of fundraising for GAA. If not, then perhaps you, yourself have been the person asking that same pertinent question?
This perennial and more often evasive question, has and still is being used to such an extent that it has to be worthy of an answer, in full and here is a list of suggested answers, for the further use and benefit of those who give of their time, as volunteers in the GAA; many are all too frequently asked and expected to respond to this pertinent question.
1. The Gaa is a ‘Caring Community Association’, deeply concerned for and involved with the welfare of Irish youth, more importantly to you, perhaps, your children, grand children, nephews and nieces, along with my children and grand children and in effect all of the children and grand children within your Parish - our Parish.
2. The Gaa provides not only the facilities but also the trained and qualified coordinators, coaches and mentors, who supervise all of the children’s activities and organise their games, which in their turn are open to all nationalities , all colours and all creeds and all backgrounds.
3. The Gaa was founded by and is run by volunteers, who do not ask what has the Gaa ever done for me but by contrast, know both the significance and importance of Gaa, not only in Ireland but throughout the developed world, where many families of Irish extraction are either domiciled or exiled.
4. The Gaa provides necessary direction and outlet for youthful enthusiasm and competitive spirit, but this is done in a safe way, so as to ensure that, as far as is humanly possible, every child is afforded protection and given the opportunity to develop into responsible adulthood, as one other respected amongst equals.
5. The Gaa was born into adversity and its celebration of 125 years in 2009, is proof, if proof were needed, that it can survive tough hungry times; no other organisation or association is arguably better prepared to provide ‘encouragement for living’, to those most in need, at times of economic hardship, such as so many are presently experiencing.
6. The Gaa has arguably been the number one catalyst in forming life long friendships, in every generation, as well as providing a lively source of debate and discussion; wherever Irish people gather, lively discussions invariably ensue. These discussions, of necessity, include memories of battles won and lost.
7. The Gaa is the primary source of interaction between Irish people - unashamed Gaels, for there is no shame in being identified as being an Irish Gael. Those who would have it otherwise are increasingly fewer and are being educated and enlightened, to the fact that the Gaa is not only a warm house but to many it has become a cherished home.
8. The Gaa builds character, shapes lives and conditions those involved to be better able to deal with life, as is and in the tradition of all that is wholesome and healthy, by way of community bonding and sporting activity; it provides that essential sense of belonging, an identity, which in turn helps to stabilise communities.
9. The Gaa provides a competitive sporting environment which is respected, marvelled and even envied by many, throughout the world , because of its indigenous capacity for harmlessly absorbing and neutralizing competitive rivalry, to the point where families, if so inclined, as is often the case, openly divide in terms of their seasonal loyalty and support, with no lasting ill or adverse affect.
10. The Gaa encourages many disciplines, along with the arts and Traditional Irish culture and has played a role in shaping a Nation of respected Irish people, who can and do travel the length and breath of the globe, to find wide acceptance and warmth of welcome, where ever they go.
Finally, I hope that this helps to answer the question posed at outset? If it does, then please come on board with your support. You can become a volunteer, a club member, a sponsor, a donor or perhaps you just might take that all important decision to buy a lottery or raffle ticket, when asked, from time to time, so that you too can feel that you are also a caring person and a contributor to the essential needs and well-being of your children and grand children.
Lawrence Smyth Antrim County PRO.19.11.09