Peter Robinson at first GAA match

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson tonight attended his first GAA match.

In a significant development for community relations in the North, he joined deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at a football cup final.

His attendance at the Armagh Athletic Grounds follows long-running efforts to build bridges between the GAA and the unionist community.

In 2008 DUP Minister Edwin Poots became the first political figure from his party to attend a GAA game.

Ulster GAA president Aogan O’Fearghail welcomed Mr Robinson’s attendance at the Power NI McKenna Cup final between Derry and Tyrone.

He said: “The attendance of the First Minister follows a series of engagements that have taken place involving him and his officials over the past number of years led by our provincial director Danny Murphy.”

The Assembly Executive has earmarked more than £100m to redevelop stadia linked to gaelic games, rugby and football.

This includes a major scheme for the GAA’s Casement Park ground in the heart of west Belfast.

Mr O’Fearghail added: “Myself, Danny Murphy and Tom Daly (chairman of the Casement Park Stadium Project) first met the First Minister last year and Ulster GAA would want to again recognise the significant investment that the Executive under the leadership of both the First and Deputy First Ministers have committed to the Casement Park redevelopment and to many other GAA projects.

“I thank them for their confidence in and support for Ulster GAA.”

He added: “As an Association, we are committed to a shared future for all in Ireland. We outreach to many who have had no traditional involvement with the GAA.

“The presence of the First Minister at tonight’s match is part of that engagement process and something I warmly welcome.”