SINN Fein is to picket an RUC hockey team as it plays its first competitive game in Dublin for over a decade. The RUC second XI is to meet Corinthians in an Irish Junior Cup fixture in Dublin this afternoon.
The RUC had withdrawn its teams from the event in the early 1980s but following the cease fires, it decided to resume playing in all Ireland competitive events.
Sinn Fein is planning a protest outside St Columba's College, Rathfarnham, where the game is to be played. Mr Gerry Malone of Sinn Fein said Corinthians was engaging in the "attempted rehabilitation" of the RUC. "Republicans in Rathfarnham and in Dublin generally will not allow the RUC come into this area without protest being raised at what they represent. If we are to have a peace settlement on this island, the RUC has to go," he added.
After the troubles began in 1969, RUC teams were able to play in the competition because it proceeded provincially. As they did not reach the final stages of the Ulster competition, the need did not arise to travel South. But after an open draw was introduced in 1980, the RUC was unable to fulfil some fixtures and eventually it was forced to withdraw.
"In some ways it's a historic visit," an RUC official told last night's Belfast Telegraph. "It's been over a decade since the hockey club played in the South and the players are looking forward to it.
"Our trip will be as low key as possible, and I'm sure the guards will look after us. Our hosts are to provide a meal for us afterwards, and that's what it's all about a hockey game and a little socialising afterwards", the official said.
