Clooney Gaels reception a major step forward for community relations in Ballymena

Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan has described the Mayor’s Reception for the Clooney Gaels Hurling team as a major step forward for community relations in Ballymena.

He said, “I congratulate the Mayor for the way in which he handled the occasion which I was very pleased to attend. It was very fitting in view of the great achievement of the club in winning the Ulster Junior Hurling Championship. The Mayor spoke very well and with good humour to the club and team members. The club officials and team were clearly very pleased to have been recognised in this way.

We all know the difficulties that there have been in the past when matters relating to the GAA have come up. Some councillors have brought up obstacles and objections repeatedly. These have brought very bad publicity to the Council. After this reception all of this sort of thing should stop.