I've blogged on this in the past: the Ireland rugby team and their political symbols. Yesterday I watched Ireland vs Australia. It was a good entertaining game. Yet the IRFU have once again shown their political side by their choice of flags at the start of the match. They had two flags leading them out: The Republic of Ireland flag and the 9 county yellow Ulster flag. That means three counties were represented twice!If the IRFU had any decency they would either have both the RoI and NI flags or a common flag e.g. Cross of St Patrick, rugby flag. Either it is a joint Northern Ireland + Republic of Ireland team or it's not. When we had a DUP minister for sport, nothing was done about the issue. So there isn't much chance of the current convicted SF/IRA terrorist who occupies that office doing anything. But why are the Unionist politicians so quiet about it all? Yes, some of our best Grammar schools play rugby to the exclusion of football - something that doesn't help the NI football team. But have most of our Unionist grammar school boys and girls been so indoctrinated by their schooling that they're willing to cheer for the tricolour team when Ireland are playing and then go back to being Unionists at the end of the game? I for one haven't been indoctrinated and demand that the IRFU recognise the Northern Ireland state - otherwise, let's have a Northern Ireland rugby team.
also known as SammyMcNally:
ReplyDeleteAs someone form the other side of the political fence, I agree there should be no Irish National symbols for Ireland games and before being oxtered-oot of Slugger said just that (see below) - as well as sginalling Ireland's good chances of getting to the Rugby World Cup final - something now looking within their capabilities - and with a healthy dose of Ulster players about the place.
http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/06/04/building-on-the-rugby-success-of-the-ireland-teams/
A fair point about the symbols although the most logical flag for the rugby team would be one that has the 4 provinces represented. If you have been watching the matches there are plenty of green flags and not tricolours being waved by the supporters. As for a Northern Ireland rugby team - wise up they would be thumped by everyone the current Ulster team have a number of foreigners playing so the Nothern Ireland team wouldnt even come close to the existing ulster team
ReplyDeletej, which is best: having a team you could support 100% or having a team that doesn't even acknowledge Northern Ireland as a state. Remember, we were classified as an away-fixture when they played in Belfast i.e. only Ireland's Call was played and not GSTQ. You're either Unionist or you're not. It doesn't stop when the rugby is on! As for the Republic, how would they respond if the Ireland team was represented by the Union Flag and one of the Southern Provinces flags?
ReplyDeletealso known as SammyMcNally:
ReplyDeleteWith the Irish presidency up for grabs it might be a good issue for one of the candidates to set the agenda with by suggesting the protocol surrounding Rugby internationals should be reviewed to be more inclusive.