Bobby Sands: the inspiration behind new GAA club

Cumann na Fuiseoige, the new GAA club which was launched in Twinbrook, West Belfast on Saturday 23 October, was inspired by Bobby Sands.

Scoil na Fuiseoige, built on the site of the first Twinbrook Residents Association office established by Bobby Sands, takes it's name from Sands' story — written while he was on the Blanket protest — of The Lark and The Freedom Fighter. Lark is the English word for fuiseog.

The lark, through Sands' writings, became one of the most potent symbols of the prison struggle through the years of the Blanket and No Wash protests and of course the 1981 Hunger Strike.

The lark, caged by a hunter, never lost its desire to be free and became synonymous with the POWs incarcerated in the H-Blocks and Armagh Prison and their willingness to endure so much hardship rather then be branded as criminals.

And Saturday's launch of the newly-formed GAA club was also an inspiring occasion.

Over 60 children, rigged out in the club's colours, were present as Micéal Greenan, President of the Ulster Council of the GAA, officially launched the club.

Also present was Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast Gerry Adams, himself an avid GAA supporter.

Adams, in his speech, drew on the inspiration of Bobby Sands and drew comparisons with Sands' work for the people of Twinbrook and the work of the committee of Cumann na Fuiseoige, whose aim is to provide the children of the area with a much needed sporting facility.

Paddy McCotter, a member of the committee, chaired the proceedings. He told An Phoblacht: "in promoting Gaelic games we want to help keep local children active and give them a positive focus. We also want to give them a sense of identity and as you can see from the attendance we are getting a good response from children around here and from their parents."