Dromara GAC

Members' Statements – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 11:00 am on 8 October 2024.

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Photo of David Honeyford David Honeyford Alliance 11:00, 8 October 2024

I want to take a minute to highlight the success of another Lagan Valley sports team and congratulate Dromara GAC on its season. It won the league in the summer and is now through to the championship final on Friday night. Sport has the ability to unite our community like nothing else. When you add a bit of success to that, the excitement and hope that build in a community can be incredible. Dromara GAC encapsulates those inclusive values, and it is there for everyone to see. The club replicates the united community values of the majority who live around Finnis in the Dromara area. Thus, it offers a friendly welcome to anyone who wants to get involved in and play Gaelic games. I have close friends who, like me, were not born into the GAA tradition but have, like me, got involved in their local club in recent years. They have not only been welcomed but have become an integral part of the club, inviting other friends and building community. That is what a united community looks like.

Last Sunday, the club held a community breakfast that I had the privilege of attending. It was just brilliant. It was packed. Well done to everyone who made that happen. I thank the players, the committee and the volunteers who have put so much effort into building a thriving club on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis over many years. We talk about and debate issues in the Chamber: for example, we will question the Economy Minister later. It is really important, however, to remember whom this is all for and to have our local community at the front and centre of everything that we do. I congratulate Dromara GAC on its journey thus far this season. The Alliance team wishes you all the very best for Friday night.