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During this time of ‘Casement Controversy’ in Andersonstown let us remember the real Roger Casement.
I would ask all, Gaels and others, to remember fellow Antrim Man Roger Casement particularly given the continued controversy with the proposals for Casement Park in the heart of West Belfast.
Following Casement’s first hand experiences of Colonial Imperialism in Africa, he returned to his native shores as an avid Irish Republican, a Human Rights activist, a visionary, and a reformist. Some might say he was well before his time given his liberal and progressive stance on minority rights and controversial issues in which the status quo shied away from.
There is no doubt in my mind that Roger Casement would be horrified that a proposed Corporate led Concert Centre would be considered at the expense of the residents in its locality and the local environment, not to mention under the disguise of proposed improvements to a GAA ground.
The people of Andersonstown deserve to know the truth and permitted to air their views on any proposals in an open, fair and transparent public consultation process. This continues to be denied by the political establishment. Like the remains of Roger Casement the people of West Belfast are too being buried under 6ft of concrete to prevent their progression and ability to query. This will only last for so long, given the resilience of the people of Andersonstown - the radical mindset of socialist republican politics will be recommissioned and that that terrible beauty will again be born.
To me the Casement Park I grew up with and played on, in a GAA jersey for Club and County, is synonymous with Roger Casement and I would ask all to make a big effort to attend the Commemoration arranged for Glasnevin Cemetery on 28th December 2013 at 1pm.
I nDíl Cuimhne Ruairí Mac Easmain
I was born bread and buttered in the shadow of Casement Park,went to school there under the stand in those halcyon days,it was there that I first heard of heroes like Brian Boou,Padraig Pearse and James Connolly,that £65 mill is to be spent on this ground not so many years after several million was spent and the increase in capacity is to be only a few thousand,makes the notion that the Grab All Assoc are nothing more than gangsters all the more believable, this part time heli pad for quisling $inn £eind president for life is about to become a major divisive issue among the residents and those who want to turn the heart of Andytown into a corporate car park,with residents having to make applications for entry and exist into their own homes,when the big boys of Antrim GAA decide to play host to pop concerts and any other large scale money making ventures,the residents may face a form of internment and torture from the noise emanating from within the grounds, we could hear clearly the Bruce Springsteen concert in the Kings hall from hear in Poleglass, how will it be for those who live directly in the shadows of Casement park,none of this redevelopment is for the benefit of Antrim Gaa members its another waste of public money designed to line the pockets of a few,Roger Casement was a man of principle and respect for his fellow man those who run Antrim GAA and their cohorts dont give a fuck .
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree. This stadium will be Ulster GAA's jewel in the crown. It'll be a bit large for the current beleaguered saffrons but is a replacement for a dilapidated Clones. It is just right that Ireland's 2nd city has a fantastic GAA ground rather than the laughable dump gaels have endured for years. It'll be host to provincial finals, a revived railway cup and major county/provincial club games. There is a disappointing parochial, parish pump, nimbyism in a lot of objections. Casement will be a beacon of gaelic culture in a city it was trampled on and nearly broken.
ReplyDeleteKevin I think the figures are something like this, at the moment Casement park can accommodate somewhere in the region of 32,000 after the refurbishment that will rise to 36,ooo working out if my maths are correct to somewhere in the region of £16+ million per extra thousand head, now I dont know about you but I think that is a complete waste of public money, and I further believe that the promotion of Ulsters gaa is the last thing on the minds of those behind this massive rip off, some believe its a buy off for political support,Casement Park in its present form could easily have been refurbished for a fraction of the cost, had those behind this really been interested in Antrim or Ulster gaa they could have spread that money throughout the county to help promote the game.this money is being used to emasculate Antrim gaa even more than it already is, tell me how hosting large pop concerts with the area turned into a no go area is going to enhance our culture,the profits will never be ploughed back into either the sport or the area instead a few fat fuckers will get even fatter,gaelic culture is the last thing on the minds of those behind this scheme a cara ..
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to a truly great man.
ReplyDeleteSadly this great man is being forgotten about , With the GAA it is now multi business Profits with EU grants. Local people are not listened to anymore .
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=178152695720528&set=t.100003184993348&type=1&theater.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comment,i.e. that tha GAA = Grab all Association. Here is some proof.We the People need to reinstate the Sovereign Govt.that was established by the I.R.B. at noon in the Mansion House on 21st.Jan.1919 ....Ireland's Independence Day.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/wethepeople-ie-are-sovereign/we-the-people-are-sovereign-quiz-amended/455642247885271
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