Vicious backlash after GAA pundit’s ‘here in the UK’ comment

Some GAA fans have called for Sean Cavanagh to be banned from all matches and GAA grounds for his “absolutely shameful” remarks.

During a discussion with Pat Spillane around the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on GAA clubs, the three-time All-Ireland winner referred to the two separate jurisdictions on the island – acknowledging that Northern Ireland was in many ways tied to the UK’s social-distancing policies.

During the podcast, Cavanagh suggested the GAA might be a little too cautious with its blanket ban in sporting activities, and added: “Up here in the UK it’s a bit bizarre because we are all probably watching Leo (Varadkar), and watching the GAA’s announcements and see ourselves as part of that but equally, in terms of day-to-day living we are waiting on the announcement from Boris (Johnson).”

Among hundreds of angry responses on Twitter, one person said they were “genuinely shocked and sickened to hear that”.

Another said: “I don’t believe that former Tyrone great @SeanCavanagh14 thinks that we are in the UK. Too many Red Hand Gael’s have been butchered, imprisoned and brutalised to hear such an utterance”.

Among the others – which are suitable for republishing – one GAA fan tweeted: “God bless us and save us. The worst. Truly pathetic.”

Other comments include: “Sean getting carried away with the VE celebrations as the Hunger Strikers turn in their graves,” and, “men and women fought and died for this country and then tell the people of Ireland up here in the UK did he win 3 all-UKs instead of All-Ireland’s shouldn’t be allowed into another match or ground or onto gaa program”.

Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew was one of those who responded.

She said: “I presume by that, Sean isn’t playing Pádraig Pearse in the forthcoming film on the #EasterRising then?”