Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is with great pride that I recall the great games over the years, not least the epic Dublin-Kerry clashes over the 1970s and 1980s which still live on in the memory.

In difficult times in this country, the GAA has provided a sporting and cultural outlet raising the morale of the people. From Ballybunion to the Bronx, the GAA was on hand in assisting our emigrants through sport and providing networks for friendship and employment opportunities. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works closely with the GAA abroad to provide strong community and social networks for the Irish diaspora. The playing and singing of the national anthem at the beginning of matches is something which instils pride in us all. I recently had the honour to chair the Seanad public consultation on the national anthem, and one of the themes to emerge was the desire for sportsmen and women to know the words of the anthem when it is played at the start of matches, particularly when matches are being televised and the camera is focused on the players during the anthem. I ask if this is something Mr. Horan might promote with GAA players during his tenure. The committee also agreed an Irish sign language version of the anthem for members of the deaf community, and I was pleased to see it performed in Croke Park at the all-Ireland last year. I ask that the GAA continue this practice also.

As previous speakers have said, the GAA is part of the Irish consciousness and plays an influential role in Irish society that extends far beyond the basic aim of promoting Gaelic games. To follow the tone set by the Cathaoirleach, and to honour my own county, I will now quote some lines from the ballad "Dúchas" or "The Kingdom’s Green and Gold", written by the illustrious Garry McMahon, who was a native of Listowel, an all-Ireland football medallist, raconteur, writer, singer and composer.

Grey lakes and mountains soaring high, Mount Brandon’s holy hill,

The little church at Gallarus, our language living still,

The Skellig Rock, stout football stock, they can’t be bought or sold,

For our county’s fame, we play the game in the Kingdom’s green and gold.

We savour Kerry victories, we salute a gallant foe

And when we lose, there’s no excuse, we pick up our bags and go,

So raise your glass each lad and lass to our warriors brave and bold,

Who again aspire to the Sam Maguire in the Kingdom’s green and gold.

That is my cultural contribution today. I thank Mr. Horan for his interesting address to the House today and I wish him well in his tenure as president of the GAA.