Tyrone board to probe attacks

LADIES FOOTBALL chiefs in Tyrone have launched an investigation into horrific attacks which left two people unconscious at the end of the county senior football championship final.

The referee was struck unconscious after St Macartan’s beat Carrickmore (1-8 to 2-4) with a dramatic late goal in the decider at Beragh on Friday night.

An official from the ladies’ board was then also knocked out after being struck while trying to intervene.

Both men were stretchered off the field and the county board has wished them “a speedy recovery”.

A board statement added: “The County board roundly condemns the perpetrators of the assaults and confirm that a full investigation into the matter has been launched.

“No further statement or comment will be made as we carry out our investigations.”

An official last night added that the matter is to be discussed at a specially convened meeting of the board tonight.

Delegates from all clubs in the county have been asked to attend.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association chief executive Helen O’Rourke said last night: “Naturally nobody wants to read about scenes like those witnessed in Tyrone and we condemn those involved.

“However this is an isolated incident and we as an association are confident the Tyrone County Board and the relevant authorities will deal with this incident in an appropriate manner.”