DUP councillor tells of his ‘regret’ that motion to defund the GAA was unsuccessful

In the aftermath of a recent victory by Dungannon Clarke, footage was widely shared online showing men in Dungannon GAA tops flouting social distancing guidelines and singing misogynistic and pro-IRA songs.

DUP councillor Clement Cuthbertson had proposed that council suspend its funding for the organisation until these actions were condemned by the GAA and a police investigation into the matter had been concluded.

The proposal was supported by unionist councillors in the chamber but rejected by Council’s Sinn Fein, SDLP, Aontú and independent members.

Mr Cuthbertson said he was not trying to rubbish the Clarke’s achievements but ensure that council was not seen to be supporting misogyny  and sectarianism.

“I am disappointed that my proposal was rejected. It was clear that many councillors in the chamber wanted to bury their heads in the sand to the real issues and live in denial about what actually took place.

“This proposal was not trying to rubbish Dungannon GAA’s achievements on the pitch. It was simply calling out the totally unacceptable behaviour which followed in Dungannon that night.

“The video footage is clear, the lyrics to the song, sang by groups wearing Dungannon GAA club shirts and shorts, were misogynistic, offensive, using derogatory terms towards women and pro-IRA.

“Are those who voted against this proposal condonin this message?”

Mr Cuthbertson said it was his belief that no council should be associated with such language.

“No council should be associated with this type of disgusting behaviour,” said the DUP representative.

“Until such times as Dungannon and Ulster GAA condemn and distance themselves from it, how can we as a local authority, funded by the ratepayer, continue to offer financial assistance to these organisations.

“The GAA needs to get its house in order and clear out these acts of militant republicanism and derogatory views of women.”

Meanwhile, Dungannon Sinn Fein Councillor Dominic Molloy has hit out at the “vilification” of the GAA in recent weeks.

“During the September meeting of Mid Ulster District Council I spoke on some of the begrudgery and vilification that had gone on in recent days and weeks,” said Mr Molloy.

“I also highlighted some of the work carried out by the GAA at the front and centre in service of the community.

“Sadly that begrudging attitude was confirmed when Cllr Cuthbertson made a proposal to suspend all Council support to the GAA in Mid Ulster.

“As the proposal was put to the floor, it was shamefully backed by every Unionist councillor in attendance.”

“This is exactly the type of action where bigotry within the council chamber feeds bigotry beyond and sends a dangerous message,” said Mr Molloy.

“I was saddened that some Unionists didn’t have the guts to stand up and call this wrong, it seems the tail wags the dog.

“Thankfully, the remainder of councillors present had the numbers to the defeat the proposal.”