GAA urged to take action to confront sectarianism

An inter-county GAA player who has given up the game because of sectarian abuse is calling on the GAA to confront the problem.

Twenty-five-year-old Darren Graham, a Protestant who played at under-21 level for Fermanagh in both football and hurling, made the decision to quit after being taunted repeatedly from the stands.

He walked off the pitch while playing for his club at the weekend after being abused by rival fans and is vowing never to return to the game.

Speaking today, he said serious action was needed to tackle sectarianism if the GAA is serious about attracting Protestants into the sport.

The Ulster Council says it does not condone such behaviour, but is refusing to comment any further until an official complaint is lodged.