Clare GAA urged to ‘change the record’ at Cusack Park

THE GAA has been urged to “change the record,” after criticism of recent renditions of the National Anthem at big match days in Cusack Park. 

Ahead of some of the Championship encounters, Councillors Mary Howard, Alan O’Callaghan and Donna McGettigan heard what was described as “a scratchy tape” playing ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’.

At the July Council meeting, the trio condemned the sound of “scratching and tearing,” which they said was ruining the build up to big games. They expressed a preference for “local bands like Ennis Brass Band or the Tulla Pipe Band,” and asked that the Council would approach the GAA about the matter. 

“In 1995, Anthony Daly said, ‘We love our trad music, but we love our hurling as well’,” outlined Councillor Howard.

“I am hugely proud of National Anthem and I get very emotional when I hear it. It’s very important to all of us. On May 15, when Clare met Limerick, the National Anthem was played from a tape. It did not sound good to me.

“The following week, when we met Waterford, it was the same thing and it really started to grate. Music is part of our DNA. Every single school has a band that would love to go on that pitch. We don’t need the Tulla Pipe Band or the brass band every week. It wouldn’t have to cost a penny.”

The Ennis woman also recalled an underage game at Cusack Park where the anthem was played from the same “scratchy tape”.  “We can do better,” she said. “There are plenty of musicians who would love to play at Cusack Park.”

Councillor O’Callaghan said his colleague might be wrong in saying that a tape had been played.

“It sounded like it was a gramophone. It was scraping and tearing for three minutes With all the flags and bunting, there was a really good buzz around, with drinks before, during and after. To hear this yoke scraping and tearing, I think it was awful.”

The Kilmurry man said that, instead of using recorded music, the GAA locally could create “a breeding ground for something like the Artane Boys’ Band.” “They need to change the record and do something,” he said. 

Councillor McGettigan said she believed there are many young children who play Gaelic games and who would be delighted to play the anthem at Cusack Park. “We should all be standing together to our national anthem and hearing it played properly,” she said. 

Former Chair of Clare GAA, Councillor Joe Cooney said there had always been “a fantastic partnership” between the Council and GAA. “I was addressing this issue as Chair,” he said. “Then Covid came on the scene.” 

The Bodyke man expressed disappointment with some of the comments made about the anthem. “If councillors have a serious concern, they should talk to Clare GAA,” he said. “They are always willing to talk. I have no problem with motion, but I would say, ‘Talk to Chair’. We were doing what the councillors suggest, but Covid came. We were also considering having an individual singer at games. Clare GAA will look at bands for every occasion, if that’s what councillors want. It’s not always easy to get bands on the day.”

Councillor Gerry Flynn said he believed the councillors’ request would not be too difficult to achieve. “The GAA was set up by the people for the people,” he said. “Unfortunately, everything is now gone online. I saw some misfortunate people turned away because they couldn’t produce online admittance slips. I also say fair play to teams in North. They have brought in live music and singing at matches.”

ENDS