DUP MLA: GAA have shown their true colours over Tyrone ‘disrespect’

Thomas Buchanan, DUP, added his voice to a chorus of disapproval over the goings-on at Healy Park in Omagh, following the victory of Thomas Clarkes (a Dungannon team named after one of the pioneers of the Easter Rising) over Trillick.

There was a colossal pitch invasion by fans, and later footage surfaced of fans singing a sexually-vulgar song which also referenced the IRA.

Mr Buchanan said: “The GAA has serious questions to answer about the Covid-19 rules being ignored and people parading the trophy whilst singing about the PIRA.  

“This type of activity can’t be swept under the carpet.

“The Ulster Council, Tyrone GAA Board and sponsors must step up and need to give leadership.  

“Young people involved in GAA look to the organisation for leadership.

“If the people at the top choose to take a lax view of the Covid-19 rules, then what chance is there for the grassroots?

“Whatever [may be said] about competition and passions, other sports and events have had to work within the rules which are in place to protect life.

“The GAA, like all other sporting organisations who are not immune from Covid-19, must take responsibility and show leadership.

“This blatant flouting of the law does little to instil confidence into the wider community who are adhering to the Covid-19 restrictions as laid down by the government.”

He noted the proliferation of GAA cups which honour PIRA figures, and said: “This disrespect to the wider community in breaching Covid-19 regulations and

causing further hurt and pain to the victims of IRA terrorism has once again portrayed the GAA in their true colours.”

The Ulster GAA for its part issued a statement which said that the scenes in Omagh “not only breached GAA protocols but, and much more significantly, public health guidelines”.

It added: “Ulster GAA fully realises that this was a moment of great joy for the Dungannon Clarkes Club in winning their first County title since 1956 and congratulations to them on this success. The dramatic nature of the conclusion of the game probably added to the exuberance but we are living in a pandemic and the post-match scenes did not portray the Association in a positive light.”

However, the Ulster GAA was also asked about the pro-IRA singing, and did not offer any comment addressing this.

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