Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is going to his very first GAA match in his new role this weekend. The DUP MLA, who has sports in his ministerial portfolio, has received some flak for not showing up at a senior-level GAA match. But fear not, because on Thursday it was confirmed that Mr Lyons will be gracing a match with his presence after receiving an invite from the Ulster Council of the GAA last week. He previously promised to attend a GAA match in 2025, but hey, better late than never, right? During a trip to Washington DC earlier this year, Mr Lyons mentioned, “I have been to GAA clubs, have been to GAA events, have met with the GAA.” So, he’s not a total stranger to the scene.
Funding decision on the redevelopment of the former GAA ground Casement Park in west Belfast is looming on the horizon. The Assembly, the GAA, and the Irish Government have all put money on the table for the project, but the burning question is: what will the UK Government bring to the table? The suspense is killing me! Mr Lyons won’t be the first DUP bigwig to dip his toes into the GAA world, as former party leader Arlene Foster and then MLA Christopher Stalford attended an Ulster final back in 2018. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and current Education Minister Paul Givan have also dabbled in camogie, Gaelic football, and hurling. A spokesperson for the Department for Communities assured us, “The minister will be attending a GAA game on Saturday following an invitation from the UCGAA last week. “The minister is committed to supporting all sporting communities across Northern Ireland.” So, let’s see how this GAA match adventure unfolds. Fingers crossed!
Now, I’m not really sure why this matters, but it seems like Mr Lyons is finally making his GAA match debut. I mean, who doesn’t love a good game of Gaelic football, right? The fact that he’s been to GAA clubs and events before makes you wonder why it took him this long to attend a match. But hey, better late than never, I guess. The redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast is a hot topic right now, with everyone waiting with bated breath for the UK Government’s funding decision. It’s like waiting for a plot twist in a movie, except it’s real life. And let’s not forget about the other DUP politicians who have already dipped their toes into the GAA scene. It’s like a whole new world for them, trying out camogie, Gaelic football, and hurling. Who knows, maybe Mr Lyons will join in on the fun too. Only time will tell. So, let’s sit back, relax, and see how this GAA match escapade plays out. Cheers to new experiences!
