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Protests at GAA Congress
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:06
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Security was very tight at the GAA Congress in Laois this weekend as last year the Croke Park Streets Committees (CPSC) disrupted Congress for a while.
However this years GAA Congress was held in a Centre that had a glass wall facing a golf course. The CPSC lads apparently just sauntered up the golf course and held their banner about being sued by Croke Park up to the glass wall. There was great crack for a while as all looked out after the GAA Security 5 minutes later went out to see if they could get them to leave. All ended peacefully - but did'nt the lads turn up again, this time with 15 or 16 more people as the GAA Congress delegates were going to mass @ 6.00pm in the Church beside the hotel.
Apparently the GAA lads, despite all their security to stop the delegates getting to see the Croke Park residents Banners with really hard hitting stuff written as 'The New Croke Park Agreement' and 'Croke Park Has Shown No Christianity To Our Community', had not been prepared for the lightning protest that appeared just twenty minutes before the mass ... and when the delegates heading for mass turned the corner of the Hotel entrance they walked straight into the protest at the chapel gates and there was nothing security could do to prevent it. How the residents found out about the mass being in the Church nobody knows .. as the mass was always held at the Congress location over the years. The protest by the way was very quiet and dignified and I think many delegates felt embarrassed that the Croke Park GAA boys seem to be making a mess of things - the protesters looked to be very decent people and stood quietly as delegates went in to mass and had re-organised themselves for the people coming out of mass.
It looks like RTE Prime Time were right in their programme when they said that Croke Park GAA suing the local community could have far reaching consequences.
frasiercrane
(1,843 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:26
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Did these GAA congress members chose to go to mass or was it a part of the whole Congress?
yankeelad
(5,535 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:36
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What am I missing here.Exactly what was this protest all about.Why are they being sued by the GAA and how come we have not heard anything about what would appear to me to be an ongoing protest long before today's events
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:37
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Every year after the motions are debated on Saturday there is a Congress Mass. Of course all the delegates don't have to go to mass and many don't. Some people go home after the main business is over, but an awful lot of people would be staying on for the GAA Dance and function after the mass and a lot of delegates have their wives/partners along for the weekend as well. The Chapel was full for the mass alright and it must have been a strange feeling for those Croke Park people responsible for suing families and maybe taking their homes off them to, at the same time, be heading up for communion as the Croke Park residents stood in silent protest outside the Chapel.
frasiercrane
(1,843 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:38
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Thats alright.I was worried delgates were forced to go to Mass as part of the whole congress experience
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:40
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It was covered on RTE Prime Time see link below - second half of show on 15/3/2012.
http://www.rte.ie/news/av/2012/0315/primetime.html#
Turenne
(1,088 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:45
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Originally posted by communityman:
Every year after the motions are debated on Saturday there is a Congress Mass. Of course all the delegates don't have to go to mass and many don't. Some people go home after the main business is over, but an awful lot of people would be staying on for the GAA Dance and function after the mass and a lot of delegates have their wives/partners along for the weekend as well. The Chapel was full for the mass alright and it must have been a strange feeling for those Croke Park people responsible for suing families and maybe taking their homes off them to, at the same time, be heading up for communion as the Croke Park residents stood in silent protest outside the Chapel.
Who is this pompous moron?
yankeelad
(5,535 Posts)
Posted:
15-Apr-2012 22:55
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Originally posted by communityman:
It was covered on RTE Prime Time see link below - second half of show on 15/3/2012.http://www.rte.ie/news/av/2012/0315/primetime.html#
Ok got it now.Thanks.This thing smells of a big corporation applying it's muscle against home owners in the area.Jaysus was this the same organization that grew out of small vilages all over the country back in the day when we had to go around to our neighbors asking for a bob to buy a football so that us young lads could play a bit of sport.Now we are trying to put those good people out of their homes.We seem to have lost the plot somewhere along the way.
spade caller
(3,554 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 00:54
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Although I understand why they don't do it, I really wish Croke Park would respond to this kind of post. As usual, we're only seeing 50% of the story here (maybe only 10% really!). I can't go into the details here, suffice to say, this is not the whole story and the residents aren't entirely as put-upon as the OP makes out.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 09:52
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Croke Park usually does well in the publicity stakes and anyone that has follwed this story will know that .... I think it was on An Fear Rua that I read how Croke Park with around three Press Conferences per week keeps a tight grip on the information flow i.e. upset Croke Park and your career as a GAA journalist may be shortlived if not invited to the Press Conferences.
I would say the first big break that the community got in getting their story out was through the Irish Times when Croke Park put out one story to the Irish Times 20 Jan 2012 that was clearly not correct and then told another story on the Irish Times on 6 February 2012 that clearly contradicted the first story.
In the event then RTE Prime Time must have spotted the seriousness of what was going on as it involved Croke Park GAA suing community members and they did a story in Mid March (can be seen on RTE Player)that clearly showed how the local Croke Park community now suffer because of Croke Parks drive for profit. Prime Time also revealed that Dublin City Council condemned Croke Park for suing the community. You tell me is there a more heartless way to treat a community and their families than to start suing them 2 weeks before Christmas as Prime Time also highlighted ... I think not.
It would seem to me then that Croke Parks mis-handling of matters recently in the media was what caused the way the community are treated by them to leak out. You have to remember politicians don't ever critisize the GAA in Croke Park - so things had to be bad. Have a look at the RTE Prime Time programme mentioned above - it was very informative.
spade caller
(3,554 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 12:11
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Hmmmmmmm, Primetime and RTE famed for their ability to get to the root of any issue and not be sidetracked looking for the controversial, TV friendly version of events.
Maybe there's a reason that no other print journalist has taken to this.
They know that this isn't as clearcut as you'd like people to think,there are plenty of journalists, soem I have no time for, some not so bad, who regualrly criticize the GAA without having their career ended. Breheny and Fogarty for a start.
You're to look like a bigger clown than you do at present when this is all played out and the real story behind all this comes to light.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 12:29
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If you read my post you would have noticed that I explained that while it took some time for the story of the questionable, oppressive I would say from what I have read and seen on Prime Time, treatment by Croke Park GAA of its local residents it has now come out into the public domain both in print media and television. Because of GAA Congress this weekend the Star and Daily Mail definitely covered the issue just this Saturday and the Cork Examiner had a good article that I saw online.
While I can see from the tone of your comment 'spade caller' that you must be frustrated about the issue nevertheless lets hope for everyones sake that Croke Park and the local community work things out.
spade caller
(3,554 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 12:39
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Do you actually forget that you were on here before yabbering on about this??
It seems you're trying to give the impression that you're just an impartial observer when clearly you have quite an involvement in this.
How much???????????????????????????????
EDIT: Just read Fogarty's bit in the examiner there.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/croker-residents-braced-for-battle-190540.html
You'll notice that it's decidedly light on facts and liberally sprinkled with attempts at emotive language. Christ COoney's salary, while outrageously high IMO, is nothing to do with this case and in any case is not something that Cooney demanded, rightly or wrongly the Uachtarán gets paid his usual salary from the GAA.
Some of teh stuff here is absolute dung,i have no time for Cooney but his stance on this will be vindicated.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 14:36
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'Spade Caller' - I would have to disagree with you on the issue of Cooney drawing a huge salary (in six figures - he worked for FAS. FAS as an organisation left a lot to be desired) on the one hand and then expending huge money on solicitors, barristers to sue community and families on the other hand.
Remember the Croke Park GAA got over €100m of tax payers money in grants and they did not get this so they could afford to pay big salaries to people in elected (not 'hired') positions.
When you draw down a huge salary you have an extra responsibility to get things right, and the fiasco that RTE Prime Time showed Croke Park's dealings with the community to be is not an example of how to get things right. Now 'spade caller' as you profess yourself to be so much in the know can you tell us how much expenses Cooney got on top of his six figure salary over the three years and would that have been paid at whatever rate FAS paid their employees .... I have no idea,
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
16-Apr-2012 15:41
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Well said 'Yankeelad'. Its all about big business now for Croke Park. They pay out close to €6m in salaries for I think around 90 people.
Its leadership from the top down now with the Croke Park GAA .... and we all know that this is exactly how Fianna Fail, for instance, lost touch with the grassroots. Did you notice that a high proportion of motions passed at Congress this year were generated out of Croke Park committees .... and Croke Park were only narrowly defeated on a motion to have all future GAA Congress weekends held in Croke Park. It does not take a rocket scientist to see the drift in control of the Association these days.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
17-Apr-2012 15:32
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Originally posted by Turenne:
Who is this pompous moron?
A GAA member that admires the GAA for sticking to the core value it was founded for 'protecting and fostering communities' and not hammering them as Croke Park GAA does to its local community.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
20-Apr-2012 01:51
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Originally posted by frasiercrane:
Did these GAA congress members chose to go to mass or was it a part of the whole Congress?
http://hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=166686
Picture of some of those who choose to go to mass - Cooney and Brennan.
Killshot
(8 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 08:49
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Turenne, I don’t believe that it is appropriate to refer to anyone as a “pompous moron”. Neither do I agree with Communityman that is appropriate to personalise the issue around Mr Cooney’s salary – but, I do totally understand his frustration.
It became personalised for me when my wife opened a letter from the GAA solicitors just two weeks before Christmas stating their intention to sue me. Yes, I am one of the people being sued.
I am not a resident of the Croke Park area, or a member of any of the resident or street committees, but I have been a member of the centre since 1977- 35 years now. Much of that time I have been a centre committee member. My passion is handball and, despite the best efforts of PACT and the Croke Park Authorities, I hope to continue that passion.
I found it particularly sad when some of my fellow committee members felt “bullied” into resigning from the committee. My blood “boiled” however when I heard that under threat of legal action from the GAA solicitors some of my colleagues felt unable to continue use the facilities. One of them is a prominent national handball champion and the other a gentleman who was heartbroken to have to inform the parents of a group of young kids that he was coaching that he is no longer is able to continue. I totally respect their positions - they both have young families .None of these gentlemen have anything to do with any of the residents associations.
In relation to myself, over the 35 years I have, naturally, made good friends in the local community. The bar in the centre facilitated that.
In addition to handball, the centre hosts all sorts of community activities from 25 drives, charity quizzes to “hip hop” dancing. Many of the older residents in the area find it a safe and friendly environment to relax and enjoy an evening. Like most GAA clubs throughout the country revenue from the bar also helps to finance the running and maintenance of the centre and to support badly needed promotion of handball in Dublin. What a difference it would make to handball throughout the country if we could have a development programme in the capital similar to that which has happened with Dublin hurling.
The focus though should be on development of facilities within GAA clubs in Dublin and promotion of handball in the schools. This could be done with a fraction of the figures that PACT are throwing around.
The existing facilities in Croke are more than adequate for now. I will admit that the exterior could do with a lick of paint but the building itself is structurally sound. What we have we hold. If money is to be spent it should be focussed where it will make a difference and not on some corporate mania driven pipedream
To call a “Spade a Spade” - What the Croke Park authorities are doing is, simply, morally wrong and is nothing short of bullying.
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 13:45
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'Killshot' Great Post. It is a lesson for us all of what a corporate Croke Park GAA gone mad can do.
Very few people realise how people and families can be affected by Croke Parks actions. I took an interest in the planning issues involving Croke Park and it was astonishing to see what was going on and in regard to the Community & Handball Centre the whole Croke Park plan was a croc and we all know why now .. as shown on Prime Time they did not want to build at all on the existing Croke Park site but on another site at the Cusack Stand/Canal end. This makes suing families around Croke Park and other families joined the Centre all the more reprehensible.
A suggestion Killshot: As your post really gives the human side of the issue why don't you open it as a new Topic. I joined up here over a year ago when the Tipp v Kilkenny saga was a hot Topic and the commenting was good banter. As you seem to be a new poster (1 post) you need to be prepared for some negativity on the site (its human nature - some people get very frustrated with anything that questions GAA actions and others find some of the stuff that Croke Park do to the local community just not believeable, others comment for the craic - no malice meant, and there is the odd nasty - thats been my experience) but also many are very reasonable here and fairminded even if critical.
spade caller
(3,554 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 15:22
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Worst, most transparent case of double username in history!!
communityman
(92 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 18:10
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Originally posted by spade caller:
Worst, most transparent case of double username in history!!
'Killshot': See what I mean about the odd nasty individual. This guy thinks he knows it all - over 3,400 posts to his name - must love listening to himself and reading his own views.
Both of us know he is certainly wrong and I am sure An Fear Rua does as well as he has our registration details.
You have to feel sorry though for people like 'Spade Caller' .... nothing that you said about how Croke Park's suing the members of the Community & Handball Centre struck a chord at all. Its almost as if the substance of your comments was like a belt of a shovel on his head and his/her only reaction to the 'truth' (because it is not his/her truth) is to get into a state of denial.
An Carta Bui
(277 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 19:40
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How much more do these inner city Dubs want to hit the GAA for ?
Perhaps they might explain how the complimentary tickets they receive end up on the black market.
Killshot
(8 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 19:43
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Spade Caller,
I can assure you that my post is genuine. Handballers will have a fair idea who I am. There are not too many handball folk that have been around the centre as long as I have. They will also, I hope, know me as straight talker and not normally prone to hyperbole. Unfortunately, the hypocrisy (suing their own members) and spin that I have witnessed on this issue from Croke Park, frankly, sickens my stomach.
Killshot
(8 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 20:25
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Carta Bui,
Rise away if you like. That is typical of the type of spin that I am talking about. It adds nothing to the content of the debate.
Do you condone Croke Park "attemptng" to intimidate volunteer GAA workers from a centre that was developed by volunteers, financed by public money and supported by the community for 40 years.
What would happen if Croke Park were to take such unilateral action on GAA clubs down the country?
Halpin
(195 Posts)
Posted:
21-Apr-2012 20:59
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I've heard of "local residents" living over a mile from Croke Park successfully extorting concert and match tickets from the GAA.
It is turning into a gravy train.
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