In a statement on February 21, 2025, a spokesperson for Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive), Sinn Féin Poblachtach: “We will not be sucker punched into a political unionist philosophy of Planter-Ulsterisation by coercion or threat.

“According to media outlet Belfast Live who reported last week that a number of sectarian signs targeting the GAA were erected in Neillsbrook. This incident has been described as a sinister attempt to intimidate and cause division in the Randalstown area of County Antrim.

“Sinn Féin Poblachtach activists in the Occupied Six Counties have observed a growing trend consistent with anti-GAA sentiment. This sectarian behaviour appears to be orchestrated by pro-British fascist elements within unionism/loyalism, a mindset from the Solemn League and Covenant of 1912, adopting Randolph Churchill’s rallying cry against Home Rule in 1886, ‘Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right’.

“This Ulsterisation-pro British mentality had taken root with elected representatives such as one-time DUP and TUV, Mel Lucas. He succinctly summed things up when publicly responding to those critical of loyalist flags erected outside a Catholic church in South Antrim with the memorable quip that it’s all British, even the bits outside the chapel.

“History has captured these pro-British attitudes from people who suffer from a version of this so-called unionist syndrome. This has been described as a belief that the future can be, should be, the same as the past.

“As guardians of Irish culture and lore we need to keep reminding these elements within loyalism that their Protestant forefathers fought for Irish independence against the British. Furthermore, as a tribute to such bravery the people of Ireland have ensured that GAA clubs have borne names such as Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet and Watty Graham as an honour.

“Sinn Féin Poblachtach would like to pay homage to those brave Gaels who form Antrim GAA and their associated football clubs. They refuse to politically weaponise the sporting traditions of the GAA into a sectarian mud-sling.

“Mise Éire, which simply means, I am Ireland and we are Ireland. There is no other, no substitute and it belongs to the people of Ireland, whether it be a newcomer or Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter.”

PRO
Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive),
Sinn Féin Poblachtach

Ranganna:[RSF News] Statements