GAA President Jarlath Burns makes important point with tribute in All-Ireland final speech
“For those people, who are our diaspora, who left this country because of war and famine, and for your ancestors, we are thinking of you today as you watch us,” said the GAA President.
GAA President Jarlath Burns paid tribute to the Irish diaspora around the World during his speech following yesterday's All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Clare.
At the end of an incredible All-Ireland final which went the way of Clare after extra-time, Burns, in his first senior All-Ireland speech as GAA President, thanked countries around the world for taking in Irish people in the past when they were forced to flee this island due to war and famine.
Burns' comments are particularly noteworthy given the refugee crisis in Ireland at the moment and the ongoing anti-immigration demonstrations that have taken place in Coolock over the past few days.
READ MORE:RTE viewers left stunned as one player misses out on Sunday Game Team of the Year
Speaking to the 82,300 fans in attendance at Croke Park yesterday, Burns said those with Irish links living outside the country were at GAA HQ in spirit as he made a pointed reference to people with Irish heritage living around the World, a figure that is estimated to be around 80 million.
“For those people, who are our diaspora, who left this country because of war and famine, and for your ancestors, we are thinking of you today as you watch us,” said the Armagh native.
“You are in Croke Park today, if not in body, then in spirit and we thank the countries who took you in and gave you jobs and allowed you to make a new name for yourselves with our native games.”
To keep up to date with all the latest GAA news, sign-up to our GAA newsletter here.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
