GAA / Where We Belong

The GAA Manifesto celebrates the Association's shared values and sense of belonging.  The GAA club embodies the role and importance of the thousands of players, coaches, administrators, members, supporters and volunteers who each play their part in making the wider Association the vibrant celebration of sport and culture that it is.

The GAA Diversity and Inclusion officer Geraldine McTavish has worked in collaboration with Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) to develop a workshop that includes both an education piece and procedures to follow should any incidents arise in GAA clubs. The campaign ‘Responding to Racism’ is a proactive training in this area, supporting the long-term campaign against racism and discrimination with the GAA Give Respect, Get Respect program.

Transition years students from Scoil Dara Secondary school in Kilcock, Co. Kildare have been working on schools initiatives on racism and were on hand to help launch the “Responding to Racism” educational and awareness campaign.

GAA National Children’s Officer, Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl said:

"Being proactive in addressing racism is central to the GAA Give Respect - Get Respect campaign. As with all other ethnicity organisations we should be inclusive of everybody regardless of race or gender and this is the message we want to give to all young people about the GAA"

Sport Against Racism Ireland, Cultural Planner, Ken McCue said:

“Great to see the Responding to Racism pledge initiative coming directly from the students. It is important that the voice of youth is heard in their defence of the basic Human Right to equality and equity through the medium of sport'.’’

The Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) has confirmed that every year March is important month for both Irish and global Anti-Racism Movements due to various international celebrations focusing on combating racism and celebrating diversity taking place. The organisation has launch Anti-Racism Month 2020 #ARM2020.

The European Action Week Against Racism 2020 will take place from 16th to 29th March, with the hashtag #United4Humanity, and the theme of “Solidarity”.  Additionally, the week following 21st March marks the UN Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination.

Further information: Geraldine McTavish, GAA Diversity and Inclusion Officer geraldine.mctavish@gaa.ie