Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, a bhean chéile Paula, a mhic Jack agus Liam agus na daoine uaisle sa Public Gallery. Thug an tuachtarán oráid iontach agus lá stairiúil atá ann. Táimid ag ceiliúradh an méid oibre atá déanta ag an gCumann Luthchleas Gael i ngach áit sa tír. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Uachtarán, na baill foirne ó Pháirc an Crócaigh agus go mórmhór na hoifigigh as gach Cúige as ucht na cluichí iontacha a shocraíonn siad gach lá agus gach seachtain.

In welcoming the uachtarán today I thank him for his presence, which is a symbol of the esteem in which we as elected representatives hold Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Our thoughts today are with the families of the young men in Donegal who were members of our organisation. As we always do as a family and community, we join together in celebration and tragedy.

In his speech today, the uachtarán covered at lot of ground. I certainly think his performance augurs well for his future. Perhaps he might follow some of his predecessors into the world of politics. Given the presence of so many luminaries in the world of politics in the Gallery perhaps they are watching him with great eye. Deputy Kelleher might be glad he will not be running in the Munster constituency for the European elections.

The backdrop to our debate in the Chamber, the presence of Mr. Horan and the work of the GAA is the UNESCO award in recognition of hurling. It is a symbol of what we stand for in a new modern Ireland. The president of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael has addressed Seanad Éireann. Today, in another Parliament, significant votes will be taken on the future of the United Kingdom's relationship with Ireland and Europe. The leadership shown by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael down through time at key moments in the history of our country demonstrates the importance of the Gaelic Athletic Association to every one of us, whether we are from urban or rural Ireland and whether we play or administer.

UNESCO speaks about the key points of transmitting from generation to generation the respect in which the organisation is held in each community, the sense of identity and culture and what we stand for as members of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Mr. Horan's speech today and the actions of so many every week in our classrooms, ball alleys, street leagues, parish leagues and myriad competitions are about respect for our culture and the promotion of diversity and inclusivity. This is why today it is so important that we recognise, admire and thank members of the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

I hope that we will soon become one and that there will be no demarcation of roles and responsibilities.

Today, Cumann Lúthcleas Gael is about more than just results and games. It is about the people, who we are and where we are from. Mr. Horan referenced the beginning in that room in Hayes Hotel, Charles Kickham's pride in the village, the commentaries of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, the wonderful writings of people like Seán Moran, who is in the Public Gallery, and the way in which local radio has brought our games into homes across the world. Look at where we have come from and what we have achieved. It is about the North American championships in the first weekend in September. It is about being able to go across the world and watch our games on GAAGO. It is about accessibility. It is also about players - not just the club player, but the street league player and the player who dreams of being the All-Ireland winning captain. I was going to say on the first and third Sundays of September there, but whatever Sundays in August they are now. That is what we aspire to. That is why we want to promote not just the ideals and ethos of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael, but what we all stand for as Irish people. At the matches last weekend, there was no rancour or trouble walking out of Nowlan Park or the Dublin-Monaghan game, only good-humoured banter and people looking forward to the warm days of May and June when the championship begins. We are so lucky as an association and a country that Cumann Lúthcleas Gael unites people.

Mr. Horan alluded to the issues facing rural Ireland. I assure him that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, is well aware of them. To answer Senator Conway-Walsh, that is why the Government will use €1 billion to regenerate rural Ireland. That is why there are more jobs being created in rural Ireland under this Government. However, it is important that we all work together. Someone mentioned Pat Spillane and his report for the Government. It is important that we use our positives and bring them together in revitalising our country.

I commend Mr. Horan on the role he played in the Liam Miller match and in bringing people together last autumn. Perhaps a few words were said behind the curtains, but it was a wonderful occasion and demonstrated the generosity and big-heartedness of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael.

The issue of player welfare has been raised during this debate. Speaking as someone who was a schoolteacher and immersed in third level education, it is important that we get player welfare right. I commend Mr. Horan and the members of the coiste bainistí on trying to achieve that balance. He was right concerning the necessity of the association balancing its economic needs with future development at club and county levels. My good friend, Senator Coffey, wants to see Waterford play its championship games in Waterford.