Armagh star Aimee Mackin amongst Gaels requesting meeting with Taoiseach

Gaels le Chéile have written this week to the newly elected Taoiseach Simon Harris, requesting a meeting to discuss the views and ambitions of their signatories.

Tens of thousands of Gaels across Ireland have now signed a letter addressed to An Taoiseach urging him to start preparing for a referendum on Irish unity and establish a Citizens’ Assembly.

Derry’s Brendan Rogers, Tyrone’s Michael McKernan, Dublin's Jack McCaffrey, Cork’s Ashling Thompson, Limericks Darragh O’Donovan and Kerry’s Stefan Okunbar along with the Shane O’Neills clubwoman are a few of the high profile GAA figures who have supported the campaign.

Former Antrim camogie star Jane Adams said: "This initiative has gained huge traction right across Ireland amongst all codes and at every level of the Association. Undoubtedly, the repercussions of ‘Brexit’ and the perceived slow, unwieldy nature of government has prompted GAA members to become more involved in the national conversation on a new Ireland.

“We believe that detailed consideration about our shared future on the island of Ireland needs to be developed and that the Government needs to plan for this. We are asking the Government to establish an All Island Citizens' Assembly reflecting the views of citizens North and South to achieve maximum consensus on a way forward.

Timmy Hammersley, former All Ireland Hurling winner with Tipperary said: “We were delighted to meet with representatives from the Taoiseach’s Office last year, when Leo Varadkar was in post. By convening a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity, the Dublin government will demonstrate its commitment to engaging with citizens in developing the best future for the people of Ireland.

“This will not just be a better future for those who support unity, it will be a better future for all, irrespective of political persuasion, religion, identity or background. The first step in this process is to let the voices of our citizens be heard in an all-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly.

Former Antrim star Paddy Cunningham added: “This letter is the manifestation of the times that we’re living in and it’s a responsible thing for us as Gaels to contribute to the debate. This is not party political, this is driven solely by Gaels. We are hopeful Simon Harris won’t shy away from this and will appreciate the demands from Gaels.

“The GAA is the biggest community organisation in Ireland. We have tens of thousands of signatures with the numbers rising each day.

“Debate is healthy and obviously there will be difficult conversations which everyone will feel is important. If we don’t begin to plan or begin to form a Citizens’ Assembly to have these conversations to find out what each section of society desires, then until that process begins we’ll never know what those issues are and therefore we can't properly address them."