Grand Slam celebrations show way forward on neutral symbols

Had the citizens of the Republic of Ireland congregated in Dublin to toast the Ireland rugby team's triumph, carrying the flag of their country, of their part of Ireland, one could scarcely have objected. However the squad does represent all thirty two counties and both jurisdictions on the island. It was therefore both heartening and appropriate that the celebrations were marked overwhelmingly by the mass display of a neutral, green IRFU flag. Rugby’s governing body has not always showed as much sensitivity as the organisers and fans at Sunday’s event.

I sincerely hope that the team will be invited to Belfast in order to recognise their achievements, representing both parts of Ireland. It would be wonderful to see a similar spectacle in front of the City Hall. Failing that, the Assembly should host a reception, for a team which is rightfully as much ‘at home’ in Belfast, as it is in Dublin (whatever the IRFU might claim).

Comments

Anonymous said…
Agree 100 percent. Its nice to see a unionist recognising the efforts the IRFU have made. I find it very distressing somtimes when say somebody like iluvni on slugger just pours vitriol on IRFU. They have moved on anthems policy, flags policy and recently we had the lambegs thing etc. Their justification for the Belfast non playing of GSTQ was cack handed, though stong objections by unionists to Belfast being designated as an "away" venue would strike many (not me, mind) as odd. It MIGHT seem like wanting your cake and eating it.

I still think that unionists like yourself who, rightly imo, consider themselves Irish, should from time to time reflect that the most honest way to deal with all these things would be to join the club (ie a UI). Its when you are a fully paid up member that you really get to have an unput and the moral authority to do so. Just a thought not a stick to beat you with.
26 March 2009 at 11:25
Anonymous said…
What utter gibberish. Thank goodness your in Dub.
26 March 2009 at 13:29
Anonymous said…
Anonymous,

And what does that mean exactly? Are you threatening me? And why is it gibberish? It was a reasonable point, and you could easily debate with me on it. Instead you resort to insults and veiled threats...
26 March 2009 at 14:04
Anonymous said…
Why can't the players or the fans fly the provincial flags? The 4 provinces are representedo and no one can be offended by a person flying the flag of their province.

The tricolour shouldn't be used at all for the rugby by players or fans because, quite simply, it isn't fair on the loyal Irish rugby fan from a Unionist tradition.
26 March 2009 at 17:44
Anonymous said…
Anonymous,

If you had read chekov's original post you would see that he is congratulating the fans in Dublin for NOT waving tricolours even though that would be perfectly natural but instead waving a neutral green irfu flag. Four province flag is used at all away games by the irfu and not the tricolour and in dublin the tricolour is flown next to the ulster provincial flag. That strikes me as pretty fair. There were very few tricolours in evidence in the crowd in last coupld of matches.

The irfu have made big efforts. i'm glad that once unionist (chekov) has actually recognised this. the unionists who complain seem to me to be suffering from opthalmic problems.
26 March 2009 at 18:48
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