The Ireland versus France rugby international at Croke Park today promises to be a great sporting occasion, but it is also one laced with serious political undertones.

The GAA was correct to open up Croke Park to rugby and soccer internationals while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

When the oval ball is lifted into the air at kickoff in today's match old bigotry will be cast away.

The arrival of the English rugby team in a fortnight will make more history. Not just a foreign game, but an English team on the grass of Croke Park.

The sight of Damien Duff and Robbie Keane emerging out of the players' tunnel next month will be another visible reminder that old certainties do not have to last.

The GAA has shown us all that we can remember the past and commemorate the past, but we do not have to be prisoners of the past. History is ours to write.

This weekend the GAA has taken a step towards being a truly national organisation, not just a 32-county body.

Others should follow. Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams have an opportunity to break new ground in Northern Ireland. The end of violent republicanism opens up a new future for all the people on this island. The leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party is not being asked to disregard the past, but rather to create a new future.

Through sport and politics these are really good times to celebrate Ireland, in all its traditions.