Should the GAA drop playing the national Anthem

The flying mouse · 30-11-2016 11:28am #1

Mods I know there is a thread already in the GAA forum about this, But it be nice to see the opinion's of the wider intelligent

boards community on this.

GAA President Aogan O'Fearghail said the organisation may consider dropping the national anthem and flag from GAA events in the event of "political realignments on the island of Ireland".

Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen ridiculing the idea.
"At this stage, we shouldn't even be considering something like that,"Cullen said."Look at the All Blacks. Imagine they were told to do away with their haka. That's part and parcel of your culture, you just can't do away with that."

Former Meath All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geraghty said there would be a backlash across the GAA community if the idea was formally tabled.

Link from todays herald.ie...wont show for me .

So do you think our national anthem should be changed to include others on our island ? Bit like the rugby folks singing Irelands call.

For me I don't know, Suppose if it was a step in the direction of helping the country become united I be ok for a compromise. whats your opinons ?

Mortpourvelo · 30-11-2016 11:30am

The flying mouse wrote: »

Mods I know there is a thread already in the GAA forum about this, But it be nice to see the opinion's of the wider intelligent boards community on this.

GAA President Aogan O'Fearghail said the organisation may consider dropping the national anthem and flag from GAA events in the event of "political realignments on the island of Ireland".

Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen ridiculing the idea.
"At this stage, we shouldn't even be considering something like that,"Cullen said."Look at the All Blacks. Imagine they were told to do away with their haka. That's part and parcel of your culture, you just can't do away with that."

Former Meath All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geraghty said there would be a backlash across the GAA community if the idea was formally tabled.

Link from todays herald.ie...wont show for me .

So do you think our national anthem should be changed to include others on our island ? Bit like the rugby folks singing Irelands call.

For me I don't know, Suppose if it was a step in the direction of helping the country become united I be ok for a compromise. whats your opinons ?

God no, only decent part of GAA is that.

osarusan · 30-11-2016 11:31am

Genuine question - is there any evidence that the playing of the anthem is a significant factor in the exclusion of people (mostly in NI, I presume), and that its removal would have a positive impact on their participation in GAA?

Exiled1 · 30-11-2016 11:32am

Don't know what the Uachtarán was waffling on about. He seems far too intent on trying to satisfy everybody.
A daft idea at best.

Riskymove · 30-11-2016 11:35am

Our national anthem is not generally played at sporting events anyway. usually only for when the national team is playing.

It has a particular historical and cultural significance for the GAA though.

most games get on just fine without any anthem.

razorblunt · 30-11-2016 11:37am

It's not like they stand and respect it anyway in full. They're normally belting off with 2 lines left.

Turtyturd · 30-11-2016 11:39am

Keep it, because if they need a replacement song every club in the country will be out shaking their buckets to fund it.

NiallBoo · 30-11-2016 11:47am

It's always struck me as patriotism by numbers.

One of those things that's done because it's done, and loses any real sentiment because of that.

I don't think the haka is a good comparison - people love watching it and I doubt it would have become such a thing if it weren't for that.
It's a challenge and show of respect to your rivals, which I think better fits a sporting event. and it's certainly something that's been questioned.

oppenheimer1 · 30-11-2016 11:50am

The flying mouse wrote: »

Mods I know there is a thread already in the GAA forum about this, But it be nice to see the opinion's of the wider intelligent boards community on this.

GAA President Aogan O'Fearghail said the organisation may consider dropping the national anthem and flag from GAA events in the event of "political realignments on the island of Ireland".

Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen ridiculing the idea.
"At this stage, we shouldn't even be considering something like that,"Cullen said."Look at the All Blacks. Imagine they were told to do away with their haka. That's part and parcel of your culture, you just can't do away with that."

Former Meath All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geraghty said there would be a backlash across the GAA community if the idea was formally tabled.

Link from todays herald.ie...wont show for me .

So do you think our national anthem should be changed to include others on our island ? Bit like the rugby folks singing Irelands call.

For me I don't know, Suppose if it was a step in the direction of helping the country become united I be ok for a compromise. whats your opinons ?

If you read what he said it would be in the event of "political realignments". If there are significant realignments there would most likely be a referendum on changing the country's flag and anthem anyway.

Father Hernandez · 30-11-2016 11:51am

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

biko · 30-11-2016 12:11pm

Political correctness gone mad

Galway_Old_Man · 30-11-2016 12:15pm

I can see where he's coming from but would be cautious about removing/changing them until we see what would take their place.

Maybe instead of the Tricolour, you could have a flag with the four provinces on it? Or both of them flying together? Or the flag of St Patrick thrown in with the mix?

As for the anthem, let's just agree to keep that awful cringe-worthy Ireland's Call muck away. Anything else.

Yamanoto · 30-11-2016 12:21pm

NiallBoo wrote: »

I don't think the haka is a good comparison - people love watching it and I doubt it would have become such a thing if it weren't for that.

Neither do I.

Hasn't always been the spectacle it is today however.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdI0g3rENcQ

gramar · 30-11-2016 12:25pm

Fuck political realignments. Hurling and Gaelic football are Irish sports played on Irish soil by people the vast majority of which are Irish. You play the national anthem same as ever.

The GAA is at risk of turning into the BBC.

Laois_Man · 30-11-2016 12:28pm

If it's only a conversation that needs to happen in the event of "political realignments on the island of Ireland", then we won't be having the conversation any time soon

However, I'd do away with it anyway except for All-Ireland final days (and maybe providential final days too). Like they do with the FA Cup in England - they only play God Save the Queen on the day of the final - not every feckin game of every feckin round!

NiallBoo · 30-11-2016 12:42pm

Was part of this not also that the sport is growing outside of Ireland?

NiallBoo · 30-11-2016 12:45pm

Yamanoto wrote: »

Neither do I.

Hasn't always been the spectacle it is today however.

Yeah, they've been practicing their moves alright.
Old match against the barbarians? They were probably still hammered from the night before.

The_Valeyard · 30-11-2016 1:03pm

I dont see a problem with it.

Sure in India today the supreme court passed a law that the national anthem must be played before each film in the cinema

andekwarhola · 30-11-2016 2:04pm

I'm not really nationalistic by any means but it's a stupid idea.

fryup · 30-11-2016 6:39pm

The GAA are very much nationalistic... but is it really necessary to play the national anthem before every single game ?

Fratton Fred · 30-11-2016 6:59pm

National Anthems should be played before every single game.

As long as its an international match.

jimmy blevins · 30-11-2016 7:46pm

I miss the national anthem being played after a" prayer at bedtime", the sight of our national flag carrier taking off to the soldiers song stirred the soul.........but wait don't the Brits own aer lingus now and a prayer at... Was been replaced with some inoffensive PC alternative.

fryup · 30-11-2016 7:49pm

^^^^^^^^^^^

that was back in the day before 24hr TV

Grayson · 30-11-2016 8:01pm

jimmy blevins wrote: »

I miss the national anthem being played after a" prayer at bedtime", the sight of our national flag carrier taking off to the soldiers song stirred the soul.........but wait don't the Brits own aer lingus now and a prayer at... Was been replaced with some inoffensive PC alternative.

To be fair catholic numbers are decreasing. The idea of a prayer at bedtime is nice. A time to reflect on the day and on the wider community. I don't think it's PC gone wild to keep the idea behind it and reinvent it.

One thing I don't miss is the anthem at the end of every night in a pub or nightclub. Jesus that was depressing. I just associated it with not being allowed to drink anymore. One minute you're laughing/dancing/whatever, the next the music is off, the lights are on full blast and you have to stand there pretending to mouth the lyrics to a song you can't remember.

I don't mind the anthem being played at sporting events. However GAA sports are to a certain extend sectarian. They were officially sectarian for a long time and although the rules have changed it's still associated with nationalism in the eyes of many. I can imagine there's a lot of communities in the north that wouldn't want to play it simply because of the association. It's a pity because it's just a sport. It could help bring communities in together rather than separating them.

Maybe they should get rid of it. Or maybe they should play both it and God Save the Queen before games that the northern counties are playing in.

LordSutch · 30-11-2016 8:13pm

The flying mouse wrote: »

Should the GAA drop playing the national Anthem.

Yes. (prersuming they wish to fully include both traditions on the island)?

The flying mouse wrote: »

GAA President Aogan O'Fearghail said the organisation may consider dropping the national anthem and flag from GAA events in the event of "political realignments on the island of Ireland".

Forward thinking fella Aogan.

The flying mouse wrote: »

Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen ridiculing the idea.

Backward thinking fella Paddy.

The flying mouse wrote: »

"At this stage, we shouldn't even be considering something like that,"Cullen said."Look at the All Blacks. Imagine they were told to do away with their haka. That's part and parcel of your culture, you just can't do away with that."

Former Meath All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geraghty said there would be a backlash across the GAA community if the idea was formally tabled.

Link from todays herald.ie...wont show for me .

So do you think our national anthem should be changed to include others on our island ? Bit like the rugby folks singing Irelands call.

For me I don't know, Suppose if it was a step in the direction of helping the country become united I be ok for a compromise. whats your opinons ?

The GAA would also need to rename some of their grounds which may offend some people North of the border. The dropping of "Sinne Fianna Fáil" is a start though ... that is, prersuming they wish to fully include both traditions on the island?

Didas · 30-11-2016 8:19pm

Grayson wrote: »

To be fair catholic numbers are decreasing. The idea of a prayer at bedtime is nice. A time to reflect on the day and on the wider community. I don't think it's PC gone wild to keep the idea behind it and reinvent it.

One thing I don't miss is the anthem at the end of every night in a pub or nightclub. Jesus that was depressing. I just associated it with not being allowed to drink anymore. One minute you're laughing/dancing/whatever, the next the music is off, the lights are on full blast and you have to stand there pretending to mouth the lyrics to a song you can't remember.

I don't mind the anthem being played at sporting events. However GAA sports are to a certain extend sectarian. They were officially sectarian for a long time and although the rules have changed it's still associated with nationalism in the eyes of many. I can imagine there's a lot of communities in the north that wouldn't want to play it simply because of the association. It's a pity because it's just a sport. It could help bring communities in together rather than separating them.

Maybe they should get rid of it. Or maybe they should play both it and God Save the Queen before games that the northern counties are playing in.

The northern county boards are the most nationalistic and republican in the GAA. They would burn Croke Park to the ground before they allowed GSTQ to be played before their matches.

Grayson · 30-11-2016 8:23pm

tonygun wrote: »

The northern county boards are the most nationalistic and republican in the GAA. They would burn Croke Park to the ground before they allowed GSTQ to be played before their matches.

I was thinking that. Remember when they were going to play Rugby in Croke Park and people protested. There was a guy carrying a "NO FOREIGN SPORTS" sign whilst wearing a celtic jersey.

TheRiverman · 30-11-2016 8:29pm

If it ever happens,what about the mini version Presidential salute?

Del.Monte · 30-11-2016 8:29pm

I think dropping the National Anthem, renaming all the GAA grounds and replacing stick fighting with hockey, and bog ball with rugger would have the desired effect of encouraging Unionist participation.

30-11-2016 8:51pm

Grayson wrote: »

Or maybe they should play both it and God Save the Queen before games that the northern counties are playing in.

Good luck with that idea. Was at the the 2003 All-Ireland Final (Armagh V Tyrone). I have yet to hear before or since a more passionate rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann. Make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Never gonna happen IMO.

Matt_Trakker · 30-11-2016 8:55pm

yea, every sport on the planet should get rid of it
And that god awful haka dance sh!te and first to go Oirland's Call

CrabRevolution · 30-11-2016 9:07pm

I wouldn't be too opposed to the idea, but it's very naive and wishful to think it would make the slightest bit of difference to how unionists perceive the GAA.

fryup · 30-11-2016 11:37pm

Grayson wrote: »

Maybe they should get rid of it. Or maybe they should play both it and God Save the Queen before games that the northern counties are playing in.

ya i'm sure that will go down well in Casement Park :cool:

a very cool kid · 01-12-2016 12:51am

They definitely should not drop Amhrán na bhFiann for matches played including Irish players or hosted in Ireland.

The best comparison is to the NFL and their anthem playing rules I think.

Arcade_Tryer · 01-12-2016 1:07am

NiallBoo wrote: »

I don't think the haka is a good comparison - people love watching it and I doubt it would have become such a thing if it weren't for that.
It's a challenge and show of respect to your rivals, which I think better fits a sporting event. and it's certainly something that's been questioned.

It's ridiculous. And even more ridiculous is that opposition teams indulge it, never mind respect it.

JJEP · 01-12-2016 1:13am

I don't understand what the problem is with playing the Irish anthem at a traditional Irish game in Ireland? Has logic been replaced with something ?

Arcade_Tryer · 01-12-2016 1:18am

JJEP wrote: »

I don't understand what the problem is with playing the Irish anthem at a traditional Irish game in Ireland? Has logic been replaced with something ?

Anthem's are outdated anyway.

The GAA should start playing Ireland's Call instead. A much more suitable song. And the lyrics make more sense in the modern era.

JJEP · 01-12-2016 1:22am

Maybe. Can't see point in just having it a game without reference to Ireland though.

Ken. · 01-12-2016 1:30am

Mod-Poll added for the craic.

K-9 · 01-12-2016 1:35am

The Orange Order will change traditions too I'm sure.

The playing of the anthem at a game in the 6 counties is a special part of the GAA and being a nationalist, when N.I. was a sectarian statelet it was one of the things that was a reminder of their Irish identity.

Just leave it be, there's no need to change tradition and culture just for the sake of it, let others respect different traditions.

Arcade_Tryer · 01-12-2016 1:39am

K-9 wrote: »

The Orange Order will change traditions too I'm sure.

Ugh. That's like people defending Western countries (e.g. France recently) violating people's rights by referencing how the middle east (e.g. Saudi Arabia) is much worse.

The playing of the anthem at a game in the 6 counties is a special part of the GAA and being a nationalist, when N.I. was a sectarian statelet it was one of the things that was a reminder of their Irish identity.

The sooner the GAA and every other aspect of society separates from nationalism the better.

DEFTLEFTHAND · 01-12-2016 5:44am

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

It's ridiculous. And even more ridiculous is that opposition teams indulge it, never mind respect it.

A few Aussies over the years have spoken out against the haka. If memory serves me correct Michael Lynagh was one such aussie

He suggested that the kiwis and the Pacific Island countries perform their rituals in the dressing room where they belong, and stop holding up the game and wasting everybody's time.

The flying mouse · 01-12-2016 6:14am

Oops I voted yes & I intended to vote No.

01-12-2016 8:41am

Grayson wrote: »

However GAA sports are to a certain extend sectarian. They were officially sectarian for a long time

Oh please. Please cite this "sectarian" rule. It doesn't exist, and it never existed. Unless you're going to contend that banning members of the British Crown Forces of occupation constitutes banning a "sect".

Grayson wrote: »

Or maybe they should play both it and God Save the Queen before games that the northern counties are playing in.

Yes, because playing an anthem that glorifies a ragingly sectarian and explicitly anti-Catholic institution would be a great way for the GAA to counter sectarianism.

Berserker · 01-12-2016 9:37am

CrabRevolution wrote: »

I wouldn't be too opposed to the idea, but it's very naive and wishful to think it would make the slightest bit of difference to how unionists perceive the GAA.

Correct. The GAA has an awful lot to do to improve how it is viewed by Unionists. They should rename all of the facilities that are named after Irish republican terrorists and also issue a statement condemning Irish republican terrorism and clubs who have named their facilities after them.

K-9 wrote: »

The Orange Order will change traditions too I'm sure.

This thread is about the GAA. Let's focus on them, for a change.

01-12-2016 9:58am

Berserker wrote: »

Correct. The GAA has an awful lot to do to improve how it is viewed by Unionists. They should rename all of the facilities that are named after Irish republican terrorists and also issue a statement condemning Irish republican terrorism and clubs who have named their facilities after them.

How about we do this after all your crowd take the Royal/Victoria/Albert/Elizabeth etc out of the names of institutions, streets, roads, parks and everywhere else you've imposed your backward sectarian colonial herrenvolk cult?

Then come back to us.

Mortpourvelo · 01-12-2016 10:49am

Deleted User wrote: »

How about we do this after all your crowd take the Royal/Victoria/Albert/Elizabeth etc out of the names of institutions, streets, roads, parks and everywhere else you've imposed your backward sectarian colonial herrenvolk cult?

Then come back to us.

Well said. Passed three places just this morning with "Royal" in the title.

Mortpourvelo · 01-12-2016 10:53am

Berserker wrote: »

Correct. The GAA has an awful lot to do to improve how it is viewed by Unionists. They should rename all of the facilities that are named after Irish republican terrorists and also issue a statement condemning Irish republican terrorism and clubs who have named their facilities after them.

This thread is about the GAA. Let's focus on them, for a change.

Are you humming The Sash as you type that just out of interest ?

Fratton Fred · 01-12-2016 11:51am

Mortpourvelo wrote: »

Well said. Passed three places just this morning with "Royal" in the title.

they are selling Royal jelly in my local health food shop, the imperialist bastards.

Mantis Toboggan · 01-12-2016 11:53am

Next they'll have us singing the four proud provinces of Ireland.

A Little Pony · 01-12-2016 3:16pm

Protestants hardly play the sport, although this is probably one of the reasons why. Maybe they should do away with it.

Should the GAA drop playing the national Anthem

Should the GAA drop the Anthem 18 votes

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