Jarlath Burns has paid tribute to those around the world who had to flee Ireland and set up a life elsewhere.
The GAA President made a speech that spoke to topical issues in Ireland as he presented the Liam McCarthy trophy to Clare captain Tony Kelly following his side’s one-point victory over Cork in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final in Croke Park in Dublin.
“For those people, who are our diaspora, who left this country because of war and famine, and for your ancestors, we are thinking of you today as you watch us,” said the Silverbridge clubman.
“You are in Croke Park today, if not in body, then in spirit and we thank the countries who took you in and gave you jobs and allowed you to make a new name for yourselves with our native games.”
It comes amid unrest in Dublin where heated protests took place at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock.
The site has been earmarked as accommodation for asylum seekers but protests broke out and three gardai were injured in the incident with one brought to hospital to receive treatment for facial injuries.
