CONTRIBUTION OF THE GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION TO SPORT AND COMMUNITIES IN BRITAIN

That this House welcomes Gaels from across Britain to Westminster on the occasion of the annual convention of the Provincial Council of Britain of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA); notes that it is the first time the GAA has held an event in the Houses of Parliament; recognises the intrinsic importance of Gaelic Games to the Irish community in Britain; acknowledges the enormous contribution made by the GAA to communities across England, Scotland and Wales through almost 200 Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football clubs catering for over 9,000 members of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds; salutes the volunteer and community-based ethos of the Association; commends the GAA on the redevelopment of McGovern Park in London and supports ongoing efforts to upgrade Páirc na hÉireann in Birmingham; thanks Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy for his unstinting efforts and commitment to promoting and developing Gaelic Games in Britain; wishes outgoing Uachtarán Aogán Ó Fearghail and his successor Uachtarán Tota John Horan well; and encourages the Departments for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Housing, Communities and Local Government and Sport England to recognise and support the GAA and its contribution to sport and society in Britain.