We should salute the success of our forces
Sir — Jennifer Whitmore, of Wicklow County Council, stated her negative response to military images put up on the big screen in Croke Park (Sunday Independent, August 5). The promotional video was part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Defence Forces’ contribution to peacekeeping.
Ms Whitmore goes on to say: “My real issue is with the GAA and the type of content it has allowed to be shown on its big screen at Croke Park, the content of the video is not suitable viewing for young boys and girls.”
I was at the same match and was delighted that the GAA gave this platform to our superb Defence Forces. We have a proud history of peace-keeping by our men and women in uniform from Ireland.
The GAA and the military also have a strong relationship through our national sports on and off the playing pitch. From people like the late Dermot Earley, the list is endless of high-profile military/GAA sports people. Parishes across Ireland have military personnel coaching, playing and partaking on committees within the GAA sphere.
Our national broadcaster projects on a weekly basis advertisements for feminine products — should we guard young boys’ eyes away from this, or explain this is part of being a woman?
A well-known chewing gum product advertisement has serious sexual connotations with two teenagers in a bedroom. This advertisement can be seen at any time, long before the watershed time of 9.30pm. Is Ms Whitmore concerned about this as it is beamed into our living rooms to younger audiences of boys and girls?
I have attended plenty of GAA games across the provinces, at club and county level. The use of unparliamentary language by supporters at games would be of a greater concern to young ears!
Finally, in Bray recently the annual air display took place. Jets and fighter bombers flew across the sky. I would be interested to know — did Ms Whitmore deny her children this outing?
The sound of shots in Croke Park, as displayed on the promotional video for our Defence Forces, is part and parcel of what defence forces do — they shoot guns!
Ms Whitmore will be very aware that many years ago shots were fired in Croke Park and lots of people lost their lives. Is this a place young children should be taken to without telling the full story of Irish history and the GAA?
Our Defence Forces’ presence, across places of conflict, for more than 60 years has on many occasions prevented shots being fired by opposing factions.
I salute you all, our citizens in uniform, for your contribution and sacrifices for world peace.
Mary Jones, Co Roscommon