GAA crackdown on sectarian abuse

A former GAA president is to address senior figures in GAA clubs across Fermanagh after a protestant player’s threat to quit the sports in the county.

The Fermanagh County Board of the GAA unreservedly apologised to Darren Graham, who announced last week he would not play Gaelic football and hurling again after suffering sectarian abuse in matches.

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

“We in the GAA, and in Fermanagh County Board in particular, have always taken pride in being a non-sectarian and non-political organisation,” the statement 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.

“Darren Graham has been and continues to be a skilful exponent of football and hurling. He has made incredible efforts to be part of our games and has taken deep pride in representing Lisnaskea Emmetts.

“We are deeply upset that Darren has had to outline details of sectarian abuse to the County Board.

“We are also concerned at inaccurate and unfair media coverage of this issue.

“No player, no sportsman, no person should have to put up with such treatment and as a county board we unreservedly apologise to Darren for any type of abuse he may have suffered on whatever occasion.

“Clubs or individuals who mete out any kind of abuse, including sectarian abuse, to others will be severely punished and such people are not welcome within our organisation.”

The 25-year-old player has represented the county in both hurling and Gaelic football.

When he was a baby his father, who was a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was killed by the IRA.

The player said he had received persistent sectarian abuse from rival club teams and could not take it any more.

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

He said the board was also working with Graham and noted that he had indicated that he would like to get on with resuming his playing career.

“We in Fermanagh County Board and in the GAA are totally non-sectarian, we are open to all and we will not allow sectarian abuse to gain the slightest toehold within our organisation,” Mr Carty insisted.

“With this in mind, a special meeting of chairmen and secretaries of all clubs in the county will be convened as soon as possible to be addressed by leading GAA officials, including former Uachtaran of the association, Jack Boothman.”