Ulster GAA final 2023 Armagh v Derry: Victims call for meeting with Ulster GAA's Brian McEvoy on 'mainstreaming' of terrorism

He was speaking after video emerged of fans apparently ripping down a Union Flag on private land in Omagh – to loud cheering – just before the Derry-Monaghan game on April 29.

The PSNI said they were treating the incident as “a sectarian motivated hate crime”.

Subsequent footage appeared to show a group of fans chanting ‘Ooo-ah up the Ra” during the other semi-final, in Armagh’s victory over Down in Clones on April 30.

In a statement last week, Mr McAvoy urged people travelling to yesterday’s Ulster Senior Football Championship Final between Armagh and Derry in Clones to “respect the occasion and make it a joyous one for all”.

He added: “Unfortunately, isolated actions by a very small minority of supporters at both semi-finals did nothing to enhance our status within the community and I appeal to all supporters to by all means get behind their team, but to do so in a way which is respectful to everyone, irrespective of their creed, gender, tradition, political opinion, or indeed which team they support.”

Mr Donaldson said that he wrote his email to Ulster GAA requesting a meeting on 7 May.

He called for a meeting with Ulster GAA and GAA president Liam McCarthy to address the issue of “mainstreaming terrorism” in GAA culture.

“We welcome Mr McAvoy's public statement following the most recent act of goading behaviour by a subsection of GAA fans,” Mr Donaldson told the News Letter.

“Former president Liam O'Neill met with us in the past and we expect to be facilitated by the current president on this also.

“We have always recognised the positive elements and contribution that Gaelic games can play within this society but we also have the right to critique the organisation when the uglier aspects of politics enter the sport, with some seeking to advance their ideology of mainstreaming terrorism through overt and covert means.

“We want to build a positive relationship with the GAA but for that to happen they along with other organisations and institutions have got to face down these elements which compromise positive work to which they and others can be engaged.”

Mr Donaldson said tonight that Mr McEvoy had responded to him on Saturday, 13 May, and said they would arrange a date to meet.

Meanwhile, the manager of Derry GAA stepped back from his role ahead of today’s Ulster Championship final against Armagh.

It came after earlier calls were made for him to stand aside following allegations of domestic violence made against him by his estranged wife, Nicola Gallagher.

Mr Gallagher denied the allegations and prosecutors have said there is insufficient evidence to bring a case.