British army GAA team renamed as ‘Naomh Pádraig’

The British Army GAA team that survived a proposal to eject them from the London JFC will play under the name Naomh Pádraig and not The Irish Guards banner that was their original billing.

The name-change follows a storm of controversy after the Irish Examiner revealed in January London GAA club, Granuaile had called for the decision to allow the participation of the newly formed Gardai Eireannach club in the 2016 JFC,be overturned.

The team’s inclusion was widely celebrated last September after then London GAA chairman Noel O’Sullivan cast the deciding and somewhat divisive vote for the team’s inclusion.

However, in January attempts were made to reverse the decision when Granuaile submitted a proposal to overturn the affiliation. An explanation was not stated.

The matter was to be discussed at new London chairman John Lacey’s first county board meeting before a Croke Park intervention directed the proposal not to be put to the city’s clubs. Within days, Croke Park released a statement saying GAA rules would not allow for the rescindment of a decision to approve the club’s affiliation.

Significantly, new London chairman Lacey is a Granuaile stalwart.

In an email to the Irish Examiner, London GAA said: “Gardai Eireannach have requested to play under the affiliated name Naomh Pádraig. London County Committee wishes them and all our clubs the best for the coming season ahead”.

It is understood The Irish Guards team have played two challenge matches since their formation. The squad includes players from the Republic of Ireland and overseas.

Reacting to the name change, one London insider who wished to remain anonymous said: “It’s more politics. They might be playing under a new name but everyone will know them as The Irish Guards.”