Government did not support 1989 tour over country’s apartheid policy
Seamus Mallon
In 1989 British Embassy officials contacted the Irish Government to make them aware the US State Department was issuing travel advice regarding the Dublin/belfast railway.
Ireland’s ambassador to the US expressed concern about the information.
In a public notice, the US State Department told tourists they should be aware of the frequent bomb threats and disruption to the rail service.
In a briefing from Foreign Affairs official Declan O’donovan about the campaign, he said officials had spoken to the office of then SDLP MP Seamus Mallon about the matter.
He added: “There is a brief that the effect of 1992 will be to cut IRA revenue from smuggling, increase haulage traffic and provide opportunities for the IRA through the lapse of official [customs] controls.
“It is not thought that hauliers are paying the IRA to close the line, but rather that the IRA itself, or a section of it, is determined to get control of the increasing North/south haulage business before 1992.”
It was understood the IRA wanted protection money from some haulage firms.
I have the blessing of the rugby union.”
Referring to an attack on him by the anti-apartheid movement, he said: “I wouldn’t expect anything else. They are political. I believe in communication of people through sport and that is the way it should be.
“I believe in trying to break down barriers.”
After the tour, Mr Mcbride said rugby players should be allowed to play against “whomever they please without politics spoiling everything”.
However, in a press statement issued weeks after the tour, GP Moss, secretary of the IRFU, said it was
Willie John Mcbride concerned that its recognition of the event had “aroused reaction and controversy”. It added: “This occasion had been approved by the International Rugby Football Board and it was agreed by the committee of the IRFU that its international board members would attend.” It went on to say that, on reflection, it regretted its decision.
The statement added no Irish team at any level was allowed to play in South Africa, nor would teams from that country be invited to play here while the remainder of the apartheid laws in South Africa existed.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Gerard Collins said he was satisfied the IRFU regretted its decision to take part in the celebrations.
He described it as “an unjustified decision which involved needless public controversy” in both Ireland and South Africa.
In a letter to Sean Farrell, first secretary at the embassy in London, Department of Foreign Affairs official Philomena Murnaghan revealed the Government was outraged over the IRFU attendance.
She said the decision had been taken “in total disregard” for Government policy on sporting contacts with South Africa.
There’s no reason I should not go, I believe in breaking barriers WILLIE JOHN MCBRIDE MANAGER FOR 1989 TOUR
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