Remembering where we came from With the month of March upon us the GAA supporter has much to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Granted, what happens in March may not prove to be as hectic or as historic as the events that unfolded in February. We have experienced enough ground breaking developments in those few weeks to do us for quite some time. With the first floodlit GAA match in Croke Park followed by the first rugby international at the same venue, an avalanche of media coverage fell upon the GAA. Both occasions lived up to all expectations. It was no surprise however that it was the RBS six nations game V England that proved to be the more difficult morsel to swallow for many gaels throughout the country. The sight of the Union Jack flying in Croke Park certainly looked out of place. Yet it served as a reminder of how far both our country and association has come in recent years. With the Celtic Tiger has come a new found confidence to the country. The GAA has followed likewise. It is now portrayed as an organisation that is prepared to embrace change rather than be afraid of it. Having said that I like many others had to listen to 'God Save the Queen' ring out at Croke Park with a lump in my throat. Memories came flooding back of the great matches that I took part in at the home of the GAA and the great games and occasions that I witnessed there. Conversely, my spirits were considerably uplifted by the passionate rendition of Amhran na bhfiann, sung with such fervour and pride by the Irish players. These men recognised the significance and importance of the occasion. The sense of unity and solidarity was obvious. If the players were emotional before the game then this was to disappear quickly as bodies were put on the line in the heat of battle. The English anthem also triggered thoughts of the circumstances surrounding the killing of Tipperary captain Michael Hogan in what became known as Bloody Sunday, back in 1920. One of the positives to come out of Rugby being played at Croke Park is that it has raised public awareness especially among the younger generation, of who the Hogan stand was named after. Not only were many oblivious to the events surrounding Bloody Sunday but also the history and tradition surrounding Croke Park as well. The GAA has gained many plaudits for opening up Croker. This Irish rugby team has gained many admirers for the passion and desire they have displayed at Croker - the Irish soccer team now has a lot to live up to! In recent years the hierarchy of the GAA has shown great moral courage and foresight in directing the association forward. We may be in the midst of a very innovative period where inclusiveness is the order of the day but the GAA also has an important duty to inform its ever growing membership on not only where we are going to but where we have come from. Now, throughout Ireland and indeed anywhere across the world you will see Irish men and women wearing their county jersey with a great sense of pride and identity. It is now trendy to be seen wearing your club or county colours but this was not always the case. Its not that long ago that in some parts of this country it was damn dangerous to display any signs/symbols of the GAA Unfortunately Michael Hogan was not the last GAA member to lose his life at the hands of the British forces. Last month I was a guest at the Aiden McAnespie GAA club in Boston at their victory Celebration Banquet. Aiden was a member of Tyrone club Aghaloo O'Neill's. He was a very popular young man and his family are highly regarded throughout the area. On February 21st 1988 he was walking to see his club play a match in their local pitch when a British soldier fired his weapon hitting Aiden in the back and killing him The soldier responsible was never prosecuted. A memorial to Aiden is erected close to the pitch at the spot where he died. In Boston his memory was honoured with the formation of a new GAA club back in 1995. The club bearing Aiden's name has gone from strength to strength. In 1998 I had the privilege of playing on the first McAnespie's team to win the Boston and North American Championship. The banquet last month was to celebrate their most successful year so far. In 2006 the McAnespie's club won the Senior, JuniorA and Junior B Championships in Boston. The tragic story of Aiden McAnespie is only one of many in Tyrone whereby membership of the GAA exacted in paying the ultimate price. There are countless tales in other counties whereby men and women upheld the tradition and values of the GAA despite persecution. My argument in making these points is that whilst we are on the crest of a wave we must be careful that we don't entirely uproot the past. Recently I asked a number of the young footballers at the school in which I teach, who the Cusack stand was named after. Very few knew the answer. Our association is correct in encouraging its members to embrace change and move forward with confidence. It also has a responsibility to educate its members especially our younger ones on how we've come to be on the road we are currently on. Tweet

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