Minister Seán Sherlock welcomes Ulster GAA commemoration of WW1 volunteers

Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North-South Co-operation, Seán Sherlock, TD, this evening attended an event in Belfast organised by Ulster GAA to commemorate the Ulster GAA volunteers who fought in the First World War.

Speaking at the event in Queens University, Minister Sherlock said:

“I would like to congratulate Ulster GAA for this initiative. It is to the GAA’s credit that they are reaching out and commemorating this part of their history and remembering the often forgotten Ulster GAA members who fought in World War 1. I know this gesture of respect for different narratives and traditions will be widely appreciated and particularly by those in the Irish unionist community for whom the First World War has a particular resonance.”

The Minister added:

“Events like tonight’s highlight the important role centenary commemorations can play in the process of reconciliation. More Irish men died in World War 1 than in any other war and a century on it is welcome that we can come together and reach a new understanding of and perspective on this important piece of British and Irish history.”

Minister Sherlock was among the speakers at the “Forgotten Gaelic Volunteers” event which launched a new nine-month research project, led by Ulster GAA, to identify and rediscover Ulster GAA members who fought in the First World War. Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney, MLA Jeffrey Donaldson, historians Philip Orr and Marie Coleman, and GAA President elect Aogán Ó Fearghail also spoke at the event.

ENDS

Press Office

13 October 2014