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Protest Over Allianz Sponsorship Briefly Halts GAA Congress at Croke Park

The association will review security following reported injuries to personnel.

Overview

  • Protesters linked to Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Irish Sport for Palestine and Gaels Against Genocide entered the Hogan Stand hall, unfurled a banner behind the top table and chanted against Allianz.
  • GAA president Jarlath Burns paused proceedings for lunch before Congress resumed, with all motions later voted on and the meeting brought to a close.
  • Burns said members of the security team and volunteers were injured as protesters forced their way into the stadium and he later said the action "crossed a line."
  • The protest focused on the GAA’s sponsorship with Allianz, which the association opted to retain in December following a report from its Ethics and Integrity Commission.
  • Campaigners cite a UN special rapporteur’s report that Allianz’s German parent, via PIMCO, holds Israeli government bonds, while nine county conventions have passed motions seeking to end the sponsorship.