Republican News · Thursday 14 August 2003

GAA heroes of the future

One of the highlights of, West Belfast's Féile for children was the Cúige Uladh Féile, the Challenge GAA Football Tournament that was held in Casement Park last Wednesday 6 August under the watchful eye of Antrim manager PJ O'Hare and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

This was a day of coaching followed by an all-ability football tournament, which saw Derry hold off the challenge of Armagh in the final.

The event was sponsored by O'Neill's Sportswear and to the delight of the children involved, they were given the county jerseys they wore as reward for their endeavours.

At the end of the final, both Gerry Adams and PJ O'Hare praised the children for their efforts and commended them for their skill and sporting behaviour.

Well deserved honour

Long time community activist Noelle Ryan was the recipient of this year's Féile Woman of the Year award.

Presented by Oonagh Marron of the Falls Womens Centre, Noelle was considered worthy of the award for her consistent work in the West Belfast Community and on numerous human rights issues.

Noelle is also well known for her work with Des Wilson in the Springhill Community House and Conway Education Centre in the field of adult education.

At the event, held in the Felons' Club on Thursday 7 August, there was a talk given by two Palestinian Women from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Fadwa Quorah and Nawal el Haj outlined the work being carried out by women's groups in town throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the prominent role being played by women within Palestinian society in the face of Israeli occupation.

At the end of their talk, the women were presented with a wood carving made by local sculptor Raymond Watson.