Dead right GAA. I don't think a ref in particular should bring anything into the match with the intent of making a statement
, poltical or not

flack (Dublin) - Posts: 1055 - 10/03/2015 10:14:07    1701147

Highly sensitive political issue. No business in the GAA and no business on the Hoganstand. Gaa

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 3866 - 10/03/2015 10:52:18    1701164

GreenandRed
A few things my nosy head would love to know?
Why did Gough tell anyone he would wear such a wristband and not just go ahead and make his statement?
Who, organisations or individuals, contacted the GAA to object to him doing so.

The cynic in me thinks there may be a bit of celebrity chasing going on here also. Will he be on the late late or the Saturday night show before too long? I wouldn't bet against it.

TheMaster (Mayo) - Posts: 16187 - 10/03/2015 11:09:45    1701172

I've always felt the GAA slow to use their position to positively promote social issues such as racism, mental health and LGBT rights. As easily the largest sporting organisation on this island, the Association is uniquely placed to run campaigns across a wide variety of issues, but it never seems to take the lead on anything.

The rainbow colours, be them on a wristband or anything else are, in themselves, nothing to do with the Irish referendum on gay marriage (it is a global symbol for pride and diversity). With this in mind, Gough's mistake seems to have been in indicating that his wearing of the colours would be related to the referendum. I suspect that, if it had solely been for LGBT pride, then it would have been much harder to refuse him. I wonder, however, if a top player had worn the wristband or rainbow laces (as numerous sportsmen in other fields did last year) would the GAA have done anything about it?

Personally, I don't see gay marriage as a political issue - I see it as a human rights issue. Still, Gough's gesture would probably have gone relatively un-noticed had he been allowed to wear the wristband, yet the refusal has helped generate far more publicity than he could have hoped for. All's well that ends well.

Thomas Clarke (Tyrone) - Posts: 1002 - 10/03/2015 11:51:19    1701192

Doylerwex

Highly sensitive political issue. No business in the GAA and no business on the Hoganstand. Gaa

I wouldn't say it's a highly sensitive political issue anymore, I think we've crossed that bridge and we have every right to talk about it on hoganstand once it's relating to the Gaa, I'm not sure why you think it has "no business" here, are you in favour of censoring opinion?

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 10/03/2015 11:58:32    1701199

I wouldnt completely agree htaem. i think that there are still alot of people in this country who are uncomfortable around the issue. As for your censorship thing, I dont think that the pro gay lobby are being silenced in general. If anything its those who hold conservative opinions on the issue who are being censored.

joncarter (Galway) - Posts: 2692 - 10/03/2015 12:05:34    1701204

Thomas Clarke
Still, Gough's gesture would probably have gone relatively un-noticed had he been allowed to wear the wristband, yet the refusal has helped generate far more publicity than he could have hoped for. All's well that ends well.

That is what is making me wonder TC. He went out of his way to bring it to people's attention that he was planning on wearing it. Just like he went out of his way to underline it was in support of the yes campaign. Why? If he just wanted to wear it, he could have said nothing and worn it, as people have pointed out here. It leads me to believe that the guy might have an ulterior motive.

TheMaster (Mayo) - Posts: 16187 - 10/03/2015 12:15:34    1701217

Referees have a key role to play in controlling the game and the sign of a good referee is that nobody has any comment to make about him.

Ashrules (Dublin) - Posts: 578 - 10/03/2015 12:24:13    1701221

joncarter

I don't think people with conservative social views are being censored at all jon, if anything they tend to be the most vocal but that's fine that's their right, my point is that we have the right to talk about it in general whether you're for or against gay marriage.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 10/03/2015 12:33:36    1701228

fair enough, but I suppose that the GAA just didnt want to become entagled in some sort of national debate that divides opinion. (which ironically is what has happened)

joncarter (Galway) - Posts: 2692 - 10/03/2015 13:10:27    1701250

Doylerwex
County: Wexford
Posts: 982

1701164
Highly sensitive political issueDoylerwex
County: Wexford
Posts: 982

How is it a highly sensitive issue?

The vast majority of the country are in favour of equality and do not support discrimination.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13837 - 10/03/2015 13:38:07    1701274

I agree jon, I think the Gaa has a social responsibility to stamp out discrimination such as sexism, racism, homophobia etc within the association but when it comes to specific political issues or referendums I agree with you it's not their job to take sides and they're better off staying neutral.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 10/03/2015 14:19:42    1701309

You are correct. The GAA is a nationalist organisation. Thats political. But come on man, seriously, you're scraping the barrell. It's been years since the GAA did anything political, you're going back to the foundations of the state. Nowadays we are apolitical.

It wasn't that long ago Lizzie Windsor was paraded around Croke Park by the great and good of the Irish Government and top brass of the GAA, that was a purely politically motived gesture that in some way Nationalist Ireland (as represented by the GAA) is now at ease with the head of the British Armed Forces (Lizzie)coming to visit.
That was the message rather than a wee stadium tour as Lizzie could have well headed off the the Aviva and those political connotations wouldn't have been made. I don't think that is party political but it was certainly political in every other way.

bricktop (Down) - Posts: 2503 - 10/03/2015 14:35:06    1701319

The GAA was set up as a Cultural Nationalist organisation in 1880's (Same as the Gaelic League). It has been open to people of many differing views (in early years Home Rule/ Republican, Anti-treaty/ pro treaty sides were members at same time) by concentrating on the promotion of Gaelic games. It should steer clear of decisive issues such as this as it could distract from its main objective which is to promote Gaelic Games.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1416 - 10/03/2015 16:02:59    1701370

The GAA originally gave him the go-ahead to wear his wristband, then after a lot of late-night calls changed their minds. They might not be political but they folded to political/sponsors/third party pressure.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8193 - 10/03/2015 16:42:20    1701404

Id say that is nonsense G&R. The referee spoke to one man on Friday who said he didn't see that there would be a problem with it, but when it was then discussed within Croke Park its political connotations were pointed out and so they informed the referee that it should not be worn. There was no single person the referee could have rang out of the blue and got an immediate, definitive answer from which is why the confusion arose.

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 10/03/2015 17:04:51    1701411

Right call imo, it's a sporting organisation not a platform to promote any kind of divisive opinion.

shldrs2thewheel (Meath) - Posts: 200 - 10/03/2015 17:45:39    1701430

its a slippery slope, rainbow wristbands today, spandex shorts nest week.

Miler (Mayo) - Posts: 1015 - 10/03/2015 19:29:28    1701466

Down with that type of thing I say.

Llaw_Gyffes (Mayo) - Posts: 1113 - 10/03/2015 20:16:50    1701492

Lads this isn't a political forum. You Can barely open your mouth on it without getting ate! Unless of course you're pushing the liberal agenda. Anything goes then.

Sport and politics really shouldn't mix. The GAA cannot use their position to encourage or discourage voters in any way whatsoever. End of story. This is not discrimination. It's tact

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 3866 - 10/03/2015 21:03:24    1701524