By:
Conor Martin
Down GAA club Saval have withdrawn its motion calling on the county to boycott this year’s National Leagues in protest at the competition’s sponsorship.
The proposal, set to be discussed at a county board meeting in Newcastle on Thursday night, took aim at Allianz and the global insurer’s indirect links to Israel amid the current crisis in Gaza.
The GAA had decided to remain with the insurance company following a recommendation of its Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) to maintain the partnership.
Last week, Saval had urged Down to sit out the leagues, which are officially known as the Allianz Football League and the Allianz Hurling League, as a symbolic act of opposition.
That debate will now not take place. In a statement, Down GAA confirmed the motion has been pulled following discussions at county level.
Down hope to make much-needed Gaza donation
Rather than pursuing a boycott, a different approach has been agreed upon. The county board will instead engage directly with Croke Park, seeking to make a substantial humanitarian donation to support the people of Gaza.
The move shifts the response away from on-field protest towards direct financial assistance, with Down officials saying the focus is now on delivering meaningful and practical support.
Down confirm Allianz boycott motion won’t be discussed at county board meeting
A statement confirming the news from the Down county board read: “Coiste Chontae an Dúin confirms that, following constructive engagement with the Committee of Saval GAC regarding the motion from the Club to the meeting of the County Committee scheduled for Thursday 15th January, agreement has been reached to withdraw the motion from the clár for that meeting.
“It is recognised that a number of positive and practical initiatives may be pursued to progress the matter and to demonstrate meaningful support for the people of Gaza.
“In this context Down GAA, on behalf of its clubs, will write to the Ard Stiurthóir, Tom Ryan, proposing that the GAA make an appropriate contribution to an Irish charity providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
“Such a contribution could be drawn from proceeds arising from Allianz National League gates and associated corporate sponsorship. We believe this proposal represents a constructive approach around which the clubs of Down and our county officers can unite.
“We further suggest that, in collaboration with Coiste Chontae an Dúin, Down clubs engage with suitable Irish charitable partners to help facilitate aid reaching those most in need in Gaza.
“Coiste Chontae an Dúin acknowledge that Saval GAC and its members have acted in accordance with the ethos of our Association, seeking to respond in a responsible and practical manner to what is widely recognised as a humanitarian crisis.”
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