Recent weeks and months have shed light on the many inequalities which are prevalent in this world. Ulster GAA, its clubs and the wider GAA family have always strived to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of religious/political background, race or ethnicity and people with disabilities.

With this in mind Ulster GAA in collaboration with Ulster Rugby and the Irish Football Association formed a project entitled ‘Sport Uniting Communities.’

Sport Uniting Communities is a four-year EU Peace IV funded project managed by the EU Special Projects Board (SEUPB). Over half way through the project and despite the difficulties that Covid-19 has provided we are well on our way to meeting the target of reaching out to 17,000 people of differing backgrounds. The ultimate aim being to change perceptions and build lasting relationships.

GAA clubs in Ulster have been at the forefront of ‘community outreach.’ Clubs such as Ardglass GAC and East Belfast GAC have been reaching out to communities not traditionally associated with our sports.

Ardglass GAC recently invited a group of Ghanaian fishermen who had been living and working in the village to use the club’s facilities and combined that with showing them how to play Gaelic Football.

Ruth Curran, Ardglass secretary, commented: “Since starting to work with our Ghanaian fishermen, it has brought great positivity to everyone in the Club and village.

“The feedback from the guys and the community has been unreal. We can only grow from being more inclusive. We very much encourage everyone to open their minds and their doors to work in a more inclusive way.”

East Belfast would not be seen as a traditional hotbed of GAA.

However, this may be about to change if one recently formed GAA club have their way. East Belfast GAC draw their members from across the religious divide and are a truly cross-community club.

The secretary for East Belfast GAC said “Through our words and actions shown, this club is cross community, focused on sport, bringing people together and being involved in the Sport Uniting Communities Good Relations Conference this year reflects the ethos of our club.”

Given the work that has been undertaken thus far it is apt that ‘Sport Uniting Communities’ will host an online Good Relations Conference with the theme “How to become an inclusive community club.”

The aim of the conference is to share examples of good practice from GAA, Rugby and Soccer clubs who have undertaken work to make their club inclusive of the whole community.

The online conference will take place on Wednesday 16th September at 7.30pm. The conference is free of charge. If you or your club would like to join please register your interest via email with:

Ryan McShane: South Antrim/Greater Belfast/North Down

ryan.mcshane.ulster@gaa.ie

Pierce Caherty: Armagh/South Down/Monaghan/Mid-Ulster

pierce.caherty.ulster@gaa.ie

Prionsias O’Kane: Cavan/Donegal/Fermanagh/Derry/North Antrim

proinsias.okane.ulster@gaa.ie