Abused GAA player set for return

A PROTESTANT Gaelic footballer is set to reverse his decision to quit the sport over sectarian abuse — and has even pencilled in his comeback game.

Darren Graham, 25, whose soldier father and two uncles were shot dead by the IRA, claims he suffered years of harassment and taunts from opposition players and fans in Co Fermanagh.

The Lisnaskea Emmetts hurler finally stormed off a pitch last week, vowing never to return following the latest attack in which he was allegedly called a “black and orange c***”.

But after the Fermanagh County Board issued an unreserved condemnation and announced steps to rid the game of sectarianism, Mr Graham confirmed yesterday he was reconsidering his decision.

He said: “If I’m selected I will turn out. But I will also be wanting to see what progress they make on the whole judgment around it and if they are taking a stand. They are bringing in outside bodies to chat to the clubs and try to stamp it out. If I can see they are trying to do that, I will definitely go back.”

The hurler conceded this weekend would be too soon for a return, but he’s looking towards an Emmetts appearance in the Fermanagh senior hurling championship final later this month.

“The comeback game for me might be the club championship final in the hurling on August 26,” he confirmed.

Mr Graham’s decision to reconsider came as it emerged a former GAA president is to address senior officials in Fermanagh clubs on the issue.

The county board has revealed that leading representatives in the sport, including the association’s former president Jack Boothman will take part in a special meeting of chairmen and secretaries to discuss concerns about sectarianism.

In a statement it said: “We unreservedly condemn abuse of any sort, whether it occurs on or off the pitch, and will not tolerate sectarian abuse of any of our members.

“In Fermanagh we have been especially proud of the fact that over the years many of the Protestant faith have given of their best to our games and have worn their club jersey with intense pride and continue to do so.”

Fermanagh County Board chairman Peter Carty said referees, players and clubs were on full alert so that sectarian behaviour would be rooted out and everyone made aware that severe penalties would be imposed.