In Ballyfermot on Saturday a number of GAA figures launched the 'GAA Athletes For A No Vote' campaign.
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, former Meath footballer Joe Sheridan, Antrim's Patrick Gallagher, Derry camogie player Aoife Cassidy and Galway footballer Anne-Marie McDonagh are all campaigning against the repeal of the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution.
The Eighth Amendment prohibits abortion in almost all circumstances. A referendum on the matter takes place next month.
Yesterday's launch took place at the Ballyfermot Sports and Fitness Centre.
After becoming aware of the event, Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA Club released a statement distancing itself from the launch.
Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA Club is aware that a launch is taking place in Ballyfermot today by a group of high-profile GAA members who are campaigning in relation to the forthcoming referendum on the eighth amendment to the Constitution.
The Club understands that, as part of the launch, the high-profile GAA personalities involved are to hold a football/hurling skills coaching session for local children.
As the local GAA Club in the community where this launch is to take place, and in response to queries raised by our own members, the Club wishes to make the following clear:
The Club is in no way associated with today's launch. It received no communication in advance from anyone involved with the launch and, in fact, the Club only became aware of the launch from press reports this morning.
It would be wholly inappropriate for the Club to be associated with the launch as the GAA and its clubs do not become involved in political matters.
No GAA and/or Club facilities are being used for today's launch. A decision on whether or not to participate in the football/hurling skills coaching session that is being held as part of this launch is a personal matter for each parent/guardian to decide for their own child.
Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA Club felt it was important to clarify the above matters. As the Club has no involvement whatsoever with today's launch, it will not be making any further comment.
Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
