GAA determined to carry on in Brussels

Belgium GAA president Seán Kelly said Brussels GAA club Craobh Rua’s decision to return to training this week after Tuesday’s terrorist atrocities was a most appropriate response.

More than 30 people have been confirmed dead and more than 300 injured by the two explosions that ripped through the departures area of the airport and Maelbeek metro station.

Former GAA president and current MEP Kelly described it as “an absolute miracle” that no Irish were killed or injured by the detonations, considering the amount of citizens who are based in the Belgian capital.

He expressed admiration in Craobh Rua’s determination to show they wouldn’t be deterred by the bombers.

“That’s what has to be done. Most people would say we can’t let these terrorists disrupt normal life and that’s what they’re trying to do. Hopefully, the security forces will be more on top of things.

“Getting back to doing what people have been doing is the only way.

“The terrorists want to create social and economic chaos by creating fear and if that happens they win, so the only way to counter that is to carry on as normal and to be vigilant.”

On the Belgium GAA Facebook page, photographs have been posted of players showing a united front following training sessions since the tragedies. One carries the caption: “Despite this week’s awful events in Brussels, we’re still carrying on playing the sports we love, in the city we love.”

The club train on Mondays and Thursdays on the grounds of the city’s Vrije Universiteit Brussel Building, four kilometres away from Maelbeek.

In a statement on Facebook, Belgium GAA chairman Colin Byrne sympathised with the victims’ families.

“We all know it could have been any of us at the airport or on that metro so let’s be thankful for everything we have and help anyone else who needs it. Thanks also to all our friends in the GAA world at home, in Europe and around the world who have been in touch — your support is much appreciated.

“These lunatics will not win; we will continue our lives in this city we love and which so many of us call home. Sport will continue to be a huge part of our lives and bring us closer together. Take care out there and be safe.”

The Brussels GAA club is the largest on the European continent with more than 100 members and participating in all four codes.

This season sees them attempt to win their fourth European title in a row in hurling and camogie while their ladies footballers will be looking for their ninth consecutive honour.

Kelly, who returned home on Thursday morning via a flight from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, still can’t get over the fact that no Irish person was physically unscathed by the attacks.

“It’s an absolute miracle when you think about all the Irish people working in European Union institutions. I myself came into the airport at that time the morning before and was due to head back at the same time the morning after.

“An awful lot of Irish people use Maelbeek station because it’s literally next door to the Parliament, so a lot of staff would be using it.

“The fact no Irish person was involved was a relief but that doesn’t diminish the effect for the families of those who have been affected.”