Northern Ireland's new culture minister Nelson McCausland has irked GAA supporters by insisting he would refuse to attend any event in GAA grounds named after republican figures. Asked if he would attend any GAA matches, McCausland replied: "Most GAA matches are played on a Sunday but because of my religious convictions, I will not attend a GAA match on a Sunday. "I hope to meet the GAA as soon as possible to learn more about their plans for the future." In the past, McCausland - who succeeds Gregory Campbell as culture minister - has publicly criticised the naming of GAA grounds and competitions after famous republicans such as Roger Casement and Sam Maguire. Insisting that he would not attend such venues, he added: "I think it would be insensitive if they were to invite a unionist to such an occasion. "I'm sure that will not happen. I want to share with them the concerns which unionists have about these matters. These are issues which must be discussed as part of any talks about a shared future." Tweet

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