I have always found the best way to break through communities is in the form of sport. There are plenty of GAA clubs throughout Ulster that promote a cross community policy having events on their grounds teaching children form all backgrounds a variety of sports. I'd say this is what Rangers are possibly doing. Having a couple of evenings where a coach for GAA comes in explains the rules and then they have a game. Seen this process in action in Ulster, really good to see and whats better is the parents see it to.
On the whole Rangers, Celtic debate never did quite get that. I think the man from Antrim is right, I'm a fan of genuine people not some club in Scotland.

ArmaghGael27 (Armagh) - Posts: 77 - 04/03/2009 09:06:50    223604

To bring everyone up to speed. This is a non story there was never any dialogue with GAA and Rangers. It was picked up by a media person at a connacht council meeting where it was being touted as an idea to show co-operation between soccer clubs in Britain and the GAA by a delegate from England. Nothing more. It then grew arms and legs. The journalist who broke the story must feel like a right numpty (Glasgow word) .Our club has done work with Rangers and schools from Ireland and around Glasgow. Celtic have been involved in this too through both clubs education centres in their and our efforts to combat sectarianism and racism in Glasgow. By the way Glasgow's number one club, Partick Thistle have also become involved. More info on our website www.tirconaill.org .

Harpsman (Overseas) - Posts: 12 - 04/03/2009 10:15:16    223653

I'm a dyed in the wool Celtic fan. They are an Irish team that just happens to play in Scotland. I can however understand people's frustration with the whole sectarian b******t that surrounds Celtic/Rangers. Personally I detest nationalism & I'd ban all organised religions if I could. (Name me a war that didn't have some religious connotation) to it. I think Rangers, or any sporting organisation, that attempts to promote goodwill across communities should be lauded. So good luck to them.

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1066 - 04/03/2009 10:23:55    223660

the first opium war of the 1850s to name one!!!

fw (Tyrone) - Posts: 50 - 04/03/2009 11:07:33    223700

If celtic supporters are so great then why do they need segregation at matches?

bad.monkey (USA) - Posts: 4649 - 04/03/2009 11:08:06    223702

Seems to be an awful ot of "anti-celtic" posts here from the same posters who would have argued for the opening of Croke Park to Soccer and Rugby. Does this make sense?

Goodfella, Tir (None) - Posts: 1652 - 04/03/2009 11:13:00    223708

re the first opium war of the 1850s to name one!!!

see http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/zjxy/t36493.htm


Next.

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1066 - 04/03/2009 11:28:38    223718

bad.monkey Crowds are segregated at all major soccer matches in practically every country in Europe and I am sure elsewhere as well.

corkcelt (Cork) - Posts: 4388 - 04/03/2009 11:28:57    223719

Rangers help GAA in Glasgow!!! re the first opium war of the 1850s to name one!!! see http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/zjxy/t36493.htm Next. Maroonatic , 04/03/2009 at 11:28 That refers to the 2nd opium war. the first had nothing to do with religion and more to do with the british empire's reliance on chinese silver being swopped for Indian (british colonial) opium. NEXT!

fw (Tyrone) - Posts: 50 - 04/03/2009 12:03:12    223735

MAMA MIA!!!!

And people have a go at my posts??

How on earth did a thread that was commending an apparent step towards inter-community understanding digress into China's involvement in the Opium Wars???

Real Louth fan (Louth) - Posts: 3157 - 04/03/2009 12:20:09    223747

Maroonatic

Religion is okay until it is oppressed by another Religion ie the western christian world being in the middle east or the stuff that many like to forget that went on closer to home. Hardly that religions fault if another religion tried to oppress it.

You'll also find that these conditions normally lead to strong nationalism again giving nationalism and the religion these nationalists come from a bad name.

Although healthy competition also makes for better news its good to know weve still got imperialist supporters like yourself in Ireland.

North Side Gael (None) - Posts: 1076 - 04/03/2009 13:28:56    223807

bad.monkey why do you ask stupid questions!

ThomasClarke1 (Tyrone) - Posts: 392 - 04/03/2009 13:44:02    223820

04/03/2009 11:08:06
bad.monkey
County: USA
Posts: 891

223702
If celtic supporters are so great then why do they need segregation at matches?


what a ridiculous question, go & have a lie down for yourself monkey.

nocky (Wexford) - Posts: 2059 - 04/03/2009 14:21:50    223847

Interesting to note what Rangers fans think of this: this from a bbc 606 thread: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F12798143?thread=6377877

stranmillis29 (Antrim) - Posts: 788 - 04/03/2009 16:11:30    223949

comment by goulding09 (U13279598) posted 42 Minutes Ago Strandsmill good link interesting comments/not as a bad as comments on here.they have good knowledge of sport here surprising

tomaoo7 (Dublin) - Posts: 5896 - 04/03/2009 16:38:25    223978

Sounds like a feeble attempt by rang.rs to make people think they are a great bunch of folk. They are in the media once again for their sectarian and racist chanting.

sean og (Armagh) - Posts: 1072 - 04/03/2009 18:01:14    224074

Is it mandatory for everyone in the 6 counties to support celtic or rangers. Why would you support scottish teams instead of your local teams?

bad.monkey (USA) - Posts: 4649 - 04/03/2009 19:35:59    224143

Why do people insist on coming on here and questionsing Celtic FC'c Irishness- what a load of rubbish. They are a British club with proud Irish links- like the many GAA clubs in Britain- I would love to win an ALL-BRITAIN title with my GAA club- does that make my GAA club British??? Too many poeple on this forum have posted messages on this topic and do not know what they are talking about. Some of the comments about the Irish in Scotland are sad and quite franlky shameful. I wont waste my time mentioning names!!! When you people do what Celtic FC did for the Irish in Scotland in the 19th century, then and only then can you question their role!!! I wonder how many of you shout with ghusto at the Irish soccer team- forgetting the fact that many of them are not born in Ireland!!!!! To read a comment like 'people born in Scotland or Scottish and people born in Ireland are Irish' is sad reflection of a small minority in modern Ireland. As WB Yeats once said "Romantic Ireland's dead and gone; it's with O'Leary in the grave".

Ed (UK) - Posts: 156 - 04/03/2009 20:29:19    224182

ED great post,i played football in the uk for a few years and enjoyed it.Played in a big match in ulster and were abused by the home supporters called british english etc,could,nt believe it.This was 1 of the big clubs in ulster with plenty county players.

tomaoo7 (Dublin) - Posts: 5896 - 04/03/2009 20:40:07    224201

George Bush by the way, a Nationalist!!!


And to clear up about Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, as he seems to be causing confusion to some.

He was born in Dublin. When someone mentioned him being Irish he allegedly made the famous quote about being born in stables and horses.

Strangely in the Duke's case the answer was "YES", being born in Ireland makes you Irish.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 04/03/2009 20:41:47    224204