Gaels le Chéile call for planning to begin on Irish Unity at meeting with Irish government’
The GAA is getting its shoulder behind the wheel of the movement for Irish Unity
A Gaels le Chéile delegation which included Limerick hurler Darragh O’Donovan, Antrim Camogie All-Star Jane Adams, Tyrone Gael Niamh McKernan, former Antrim Football Captain Paddy Cunningham, Tipperary All-Ireland hurling winner Timmy Hammersley & Antrim Gael Ciarán McCavana have met with representatives from the Taoiseach’s Office this afternoon to discuss their campaign that has now has been endorsed by tens of thousands of Gaels from across Ireland.
Commenting after the meeting, Limerick hurler Darragh O’Donovan said: “The GAA is the biggest community organisation in Ireland.
“Tens of thousands of grassroots members have now signed our letter and support our campaign.
“We stated clearly at the meeting that there has never been a greater interest in discussing and planning for future constitutional change on our Island.
“This is being talked about on sidelines at football and hurling matches across every county in Ireland.
Paddy Cunningham added: “We believe that detailed consideration about our shared future on the island of Ireland needs to be developed and that the Government needs to plan for this.
“This was also recommended by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement last week who called for preparations to begin immediately.
“Undoubtedly, the repercussions of Brexit and the perceived slow, unwieldy nature of government has prompted GAA members to become more involved in the national conversation on a new Ireland.
“If we don’t begin to plan or begin to form a Citizens’ Assembly to have these conversations to find out what each section of society desires, then until that process begins we’ll never know what those issues are and therefore we can’t properly address them”.
Timmy Hammersley, former All Ireland Hurling winner with Tipperary said: “We were delighted to meet with representatives from the Taoiseach’s Office this afternoon to discuss our campaign.
“By convening a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity, the Dublin government will demonstrate its commitment to engaging with citizens in developing the best future for the people of Ireland.
“This will not just be a better future for those who support unity, it will be a better future for all, irrespective of political persuasion, religion, identity or background.
“The first step in this process is to let the voices of our citizens be heard in an all-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly.
Jane Adams, Camogie All Star and a founding member of Gaels le Chéile was also part of the delegation, and said: “We emphasised that now is the time for the Irish government to have ambition, and start developing a road map for a new and united Ireland.
“This is the first stage of what we hope will be ongoing engagement with the Taoiseach.
“We hope to meet the Taoiseach himself in the time ahead with a wider representation of Gaels from across Ireland including superstars from all codes within the GAA.”
