Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Derry minor team recently won the All-Ireland football championship by defeating Monaghan, which was trying to win its first All-Ireland at this grade, having lost the 1939 final. I welcome the new All-Ireland champions. I was taken aback by a lovely message from Rían Ó Néill, who was waiting in Moneymore, County Derry, to welcome home the minor All-Ireland champions. He could not help but notice that the local lodges of the Orange Order waited until the Derry bus had passed through before starting their parade. They stood respectfully, and many even applauded the team as they went by. This is a perfect example of the mutual respect and good relations present throughout Moneymore. Although tensions and sectarianism often make the headlines, it is important to highlight the good news of coexistence happening quietly across Northern Ireland. That is the future. It is a quiet revolution, and it is ahead of the politics. Those little gestures go an awful long way. I commend all involved in that lovely gesture of respect to the minor team.

The minor final used to be broadcast and immediately precede the All-Ireland senior final. That is a matter for the GAA. It used to be as Gaeilge. I notice that does not happen anymore. There might be good reasons for that. It has been going on for a few years at this stage. Thankfully, it was live on TG4, although it was not in Croke Park. It is more than just a game. It caused the local Orange lodge to demonstrate some respect. I thank them for that. It is the way forward from all communities, and not just one community. That team-building of respect is the future. It is one full of hope for healing and reconciliation.