Council vetoes reception for camogie team
Unionists block honour for Armagh’s All-ireland winners over post-match celebration
A COUNCIL has decided against holding a civic reception for the Armagh camogie team that won the junior All-ireland final over pro-ira singing in the postmatch celebrations.
Following the team’s historic victory against Cavan, which secured the county’s first All-ireland camogie title since 1993, footage emerged appearing to show some people chanting “Ooh ah, up the ’RA”.
A COUNCIL has voted against holding a civic reception for the Armagh camogie team that won the junior All-ireland final after pro-ira singing in the postmatch celebrations.
Following the team’s historic victory against Cavan, which secured the county’s first All-ireland camogie title since 1993, footage emerged appearing to show some people chanting “Ooh ah, up the ’RA”.
Initially the Armagh Camogie Board said the words sang were “Up Armagh” — but then issued an apology after an investigation.
The proposal for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to hold a reception to recognise the team’s win was tabled by the SDLP and Sinn Fein.
However, independent unionist Paul Berry said he was against the proposal. Describing the team’s achievement as “tremendous”, he added the chanting that followed made it, in his opinion, a “complete disaster for all involved”.
“It is very sad to see (people) at this type of behaviour, and as such I don’t think it would be befitting of council to support it,” he said.
“I propose that in light of this behaviour, the reception does not go ahead, it is an insult to victims and such an event should not be held by the council in our civic society.”
DUP group leader Mark Baxter seconded the proposal. He acknowledged the team’s “fantastic win” but said the post-match activities tainted the result.
“It has to be noted that any glorification of terrorism in any form can’t be tolerated,” Mr Baxter added.
“It was a great victory but they really let themselves and Armagh Camogie down.
“I think recognising this in the way we normally would have would send out a very bad message from this council, essentially condoning this type of behaviour.”
Ulster Unionist Sam Nicholson congratulated the team but said he was on record as being “deeply disappointed by these actions”.
“We have to recognise there was an apology, but it does fall short,” he said.
Sinn Fein’s Liam Mackle sought clarity as to whether the council’s permission was required for the Lord Mayor to host the event.
Mr Baxter said he was of the understanding as the request came through council, it is official council business, but said that the Lord Mayor has his own budget and is entitled to do what he sees fit with it. The SDLP’S Thomas O’hanlon congratulated those who did “both their families and their community proud”, and said that he refused to be “distracted by other comments”.
All i ance’s Eoin Tennyson said he was “disappointed and shocked” by the post-match footage and attempted to make another proposal, but Lord Mayor Kevin Savage said Mr Berry’s proposal would be dealt with first.
That proposal was then put to a vote with the DUP, UUP all in favour of not holding the civic reception.
The SDLP and Sinn Fein councillors voted against the proposal, while Alliance representatives abstained.
As such, the proposal was adopted by council with 22 members in favour, 15 against and three councillors abstaining.