Initiative To Recognise GAA WWI Fighters

A new initiative has been launched that will seek to recognise the participation of members of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in World War One.

Culture and Arts Minister Carál Nί Chuilίn launched the 'Forgotten Gaelic Volunteers' research project today.

The nine-month initiative has been undertaken under the auspices of the Ulster Council of the GAA and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Speaking at the event, which took place at Queen's University Belfast, the Minister said: "We have a collective responsibility to support inclusive ways of remembering how historic events impacted on the lives and communities across this island and beyond.

"Our history, which is at times painful, is complex, shared and connected in many different ways. Unfortunately, many people remember and commemorate a past which is too often based on partial knowledge, myth or a partisan viewpoint and narrow perspective.

"The First World War was part of a series of events over 1912 to 1922 which shaped identities and relationships within the north of our island and those between north and south; and between Ireland and Britain.

"This is why my Department is working with other key organisations such as the Community Relations Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund to take forward inclusive principles and coordinated approaches to remembering these anniversaries."

Speaking specifically about the 'Forgotten Gaelic Volunteers' Project, the Minister said: "This research has opened up a whole new understanding of the role some GAA members played in the First World War and has helped portray a wider image of the events of the time.

"I'm aware that the research undertaken has turned up some interesting facts and as an avid Antrim GAA fan I was fascinated to learn than one of the players on the only Antrim team ever to contest an All-Ireland final was in fact killed while fighting in France.

"I commend all those involved in the project and In the weeks and months ahead we will seek to maximise the impact and reach of initiatives such as the 'Forgotten Gaelic Volunteers' and the work of museums, libraries and other organisations helping to tell the stories and different interpretations of these milestone events in our history."

(IT/JP)