Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh an uachtarán. I am delighted to welcome him and his family to the Seanad on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group. It is so wonderful that we in the Seanad can engage with such an important cultural and athletic institution. It is important that this Oireachtas reflects the people it represents. I am glad we can play a role in reflecting the great passion and joy our native games inspire in people. Undoubtedly, the GAA has gone from strength to strength. The network of clubs all over Ireland is an organic engine which produces community spirit and cohesion, promotes an active lifestyle and, more than anything, provides a connection with our shared heritage. It is vital that we as legislators support the wonderful work organisations like the GAA do in communities all over Ireland.

I am someone who lives a cross-Border life, with family in Dublin - I am a very proud Dublin woman - and in Antrim as well because my father was from that county. I still spend a great deal of time on Rathlin Island. My maternal grandparents were from Enfield in County Meath and my husband is a very proud Cork man who is obsessed with hurling and the Cork hurling team, as can be imagined. I am passionate about fostering community and connection across the whole of this island. It is great that the GAA does such important work uniting communities across the whole of this island. It is a very powerful contribution to our national culture and we are very grateful.

As we have seen with the establishment of pioneering clubs like East Belfast GAA, our GAA sports can be an incredible tool for bridge building and cultural change, which is absolutely vital. It is fortunate that some of our young people leaving Ireland now, and many are reluctant to do so, have GAA clubs all over the world to provide these emigrants with a powerful and tangible connection to their home. The GAA reflects the diversity and worldwide span of Irish people. As can be seen, I love the GAA. I am absolutely obsessed with it.

I wish to highlight some of the exciting and admirable efforts being undertaken by the GAA community to make its sports even more inclusive and equal. Women, like Gemma Begley, the equality, diversity and inclusion manager of the Gaelic Players Association, are working to ensure that the athletic skill and expertise, community contribution and leadership of women and girls are reflected at all levels in the GAA. Wonderful efforts to support the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in our native sports are under way. The creation of the first fully LGBTQ+ GAA team, Na Gaeil Aeracha, in 2020 was a powerful signal that these sports are now open to everybody. These developments reflect the dynamism of Irish identity. We can preserve and uplift our national culture, of which we are incredibly proud, while also updating our attitudes and outlook to reflect the social progress that has been made. Our native games are of ancient and modern Ireland. This duality is a sign of a truly impactful and enduring cultural force.

I thank Mr. McCarthy sincerely for coming in to address us today. The GAA is a source of joy, excitement and passion for so many people and long may it continue. On behalf of my sister and her husband and all my family, I finish by saying, "Up the Dubs".