Funding at GAA clubs could be withdrawn if they adopt the names of dead IRA members, Northern Ireland’s sports minister warned today.
Officials are examining clauses in Sport NI’s grant-making arrangements to advise if changes should be considered, Nelson McCausland said.
He added there was no place in sport for the naming of clubs, grounds or competitions after dead republicans.
The GAA is to investigate August’s hunger strike commemoration at Galbally, Co Tyrone, after photos of people dressed in balaclavas carrying replica weapons were placed on the internet. Sinn Féin disputes claims they were connected to the club.
Mr McCausland said: “Sport NI funding programmes have an equality clause as a standard condition of their grants Sport NI may suspend, reduce or stop payments or reclaim the grant in full if this clause is breached.
“Whilst not constituting a breach of this clause, I believe there is no place in sport for the naming of clubs, grounds and/or competitions after deceased terrorists and this practice is certainly not in keeping with the promotion of good relations as required under the equality legislation.
“Any change should reflect that sport makes an important contribution to a shared and better future, one in which terrorism and sport cannot be mixed.”
PA