Gaelic footballer quits over 'sectarian abuse'

A Protestant Gaelic footballer has quit over sectarian abuse by rival players, he claimed today.

Darren Graham, 25, from Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, whose soldier father and two uncles were shot dead by the IRA, said he was hounded out because of his religion.

He vowed never to wear his club jersey again until he gets a full apology, after storming off a pitch in disgust at the years of alleged taunting.

Mr Graham said: "It just came to a head. Something bad (was said) on the field - 'You're a black c***'. Then another ran by and said 'It's the truth, you're nothing but that'."

The Lisnaskea Emmets hurler, who has represented his county at Under-21 level, is believed to be the only-non Catholic player in Fermanagh.

His decision to walk away is a major blow to the GAA's efforts to widen its appeal and attract more Protestants.