GAA vows to probe 'sectarian abuse' of player

The GAA tonight vowed to probe allegations of sectarianism in their sports after a Protestant hurler quit the sport.

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

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

Mr Graham, who has been playing hurling and gaelic football since he was 12, 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.

In a joint statement issued tonight, the president of the GAA, Nickey Brennan and the president of its Ulster Council, Tom Daly re-stated the GAA’s opposition to sectarian abuse.

“Such conduct is unacceptable to the association and as per the Official Guide, the GAA reaffirms that it is a non-sectarian and non-party political organisation,” they said.

“Any allegations made will be vigorously investigated and disciplinary action shall be taken where deemed appropriate.”

Mr Brennan and Mr Daly also vowed to confront sectarianism, insisting the GAA had a proud track record of working with people from across the social spectrum, irrespective of religious or ethnic background over many years.

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

It was not until 2001 that a controversial ban on any members of the North’s security forces joining the organisation was lifted.

Mr Graham, a joiner with a local timber frame company, was an unlikely gaelic footballer and hurler.

He was only weeks old when his father Cecil Graham, an Ulster Defence Regiment soldier, was shot dead in November by the IRA.

Two of his uncles, Ronnie and Jimmy Graham, who both served in the UDR as well, were also assassinated by the IRA, in 1981 and 1985.