GAA apologises to Protestant player

The GAA in Fermanagh has apologised to a Protestant player who left the game because of sectarian abuse.

Darren Graham (25) announced his retirement after being subjected to sectarian name-calling during a football match between his club Lisnaskea Emmets and Brookeborough on Sunday of last week.

Mr Graham walked off the field early in the second half after alleging that he was called a "black c***" by one player, while another is reported to have said: "it's the truth, you're nothing but that".

In a statement issued last night, chairman of the Fermanagh County Board Peter Carty said Mr Graham had now reconsidered his decision to quit the game following assurances from the county board that such sectarian abuse would not be tolerated.

"We have spoken with Darren who says that he would like to get on with his playing career, encouraged as he is by the promises given," Mr Carty said.

"We are at the moment working very closely with him as regards his case and he is reassured that he and all players will be supported, protected and looked after to the very best of our ability.

"Clubs or individuals who mete out any kind of abuse, including sectarian abuse, to others will be severely punished and such people are not welcome within our organisation," he said.

The GAA at national level has promised to investigate his claims and both the president Nickey Brennan and president of the Ulster Council Tom Daly have said disciplinary action will be taken if it is deemed appropriate.

Mr Brennan has also invited Mr Graham to attend a senior game at Croke Park. Mr Carty confirmed that a special meeting of chairmen and secretaries of the clubs in the county will be convened to discuss the issue of sectarianism.

It will be addressed by the former president of the GAA Jack Boothman, who is a Protestant.

Mr Graham's father, Cecil, a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was shot dead by the IRA in November 1981, as were two of his uncles. Despite his background, Mr Graham began playing at under-age level for Emmets when he was 12 and also played for St Ronan's (Catholic) Primary School in Lisnaskea though he was attending a Protestant school in the town.

He represented Fermanagh in both hurling and Gaelic football at inter-county level, and his ambition was to play senior football for Fermanagh.