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Mayor shows he’s fair game

Thursday, 16 February 2012

DUP Mayor Ian Stevenson stands shoulder to shoulder with SDLP Cllr Harry Connolly at Purnell Park on Saturday to witness Loughgiel’s victory over Na Piarsaigh.

BALLYMONEY DUP Mayor Ian Stevenson made quite the impression at the weekend when he made his first visit onto GAA soil to watch Saturday's hurling game between Loughgiel Shamrocks and Limerick side Na Piarsaigh.
While the Shamrocks clenched an eight point victory in Purnell Park, Dublin ensuring their passage into the final of the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship - opinion was divided on whether Mr Stevenson's decision was such a victorious move.
Discussion about Saturday's appearance even made its way onto Mr Stevenson's Facebook page with some 'friends' commenting that they were 'disgusted' with his decision, while others praised the Mayor for showing courage. One comment read: "Well done Ian, I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to go but a brave one. I wouldn't worry about what some people say. Keep up the good work!"
However, others were less than impressed, with one 'friend' writing: " GAA ???!!!!.... Well you may well be hailed a hero over this and get a few GAA friends out of it but you have lost my friendship forever !!!!"
Mr Stevenson's decision follows in the footsteps of DUP leader Peter Robinson who attended his first gaelic game last month when Derry clashed with Tyrone in Armagh Athletic grounds.
“As Mayor, I'm there for everybody. There have been examples in the past where Mayors have not adhered to this principle and I will not be one of them.
“As a sport - it was a very entertaining game. I do have problems with aspects of GAA, for example naming of the grounds, but as a sport it is very enjoyable, very physical and you need to be fit to play it."
Regarding the Facebook comments he said: "There were 60/40 in favour. I have to carry out my Mayoral duties and do what I think is right.
“If I can show tolerance going to a GAA match then perhaps throughout the Borough people should be more tolerant of things they don't approve of.
“It was the best hurling match I've seen. I had everything in it and showed off great the great talent. The GAA has made advances but it would be good if they could dialogue to make the sport available to everyone."
SDLP Councillor Harry Connolly who invited Mr Stevenson to Purnell Park congratulated Loughgiel for reaching the All-Ireland Final.
“Hopefully they can bring the Tom Moore cup back to Loughgiel on Saint Patrick's day and repeat their performance of 1983 when they overcame Offaly opponents."
Cllr Connolly added: "Congratulations to the management and the players for the fine performance of the past year. Saturday's game was a thriller and showed the spirit the players had. Supporters have travelled all over the country over the past couple of years to support the club.
“It's a great honour for the club and parish everything the team has achieved over this past couple of years."
Speaking about the attendance of the DUP Mayor at Parnell Park, Sinn Fein Councillor Anita Cavlan added: "It has to be acknowledged that the Mayor has shown leadership in supporting our local hurlers and I believe that the GAA fraternity in North Antrim will welcome this.
“The role of the Mayor is to represent all citizens in the district and I think that this is a sign that this will be the case henceforth and rightly so. "There is a great buzz around Loughgiel at the moment and it's great to see messages of support coming in from across Ireland for the team. The team has already made us all extremely proud and we all look forward to seeing them bring the championship home on the 17th!"

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