GAA player quits over sectarian abuse

A Fermanagh inter-county GAA player is quitting the association because of sectarian abuse.

A Fermanagh inter-county GAA player is quitting the association because of sectarian abuse.

Darren Graham (25) from Lisnaskea, a Protestant whose UDR father was shot dead by the IRA, said he could take no more of the taunting he has experienced. He has called on the association to confront the problem.

"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.'"

"I couldn't take anymore," he said last night. "Something has to be done about it to get it out of the sport. At the end of the day it's sport. It's got nothing to do with [ anything] outside sport. It's what happens on the field - to win a medal or win a championship. It's what you grow up for."

READ MORE

Mr Graham represented his county at both football and hurling at under-21 level. He has specifically excluded his Lisnaskea Emmetts clubmates from the criticism.

A representative of the county board said: "Abuse of any players, any officials or any referee - abuse of any description is not acceptable. All official reports of it be dealt with seriously. Unless things are done officially we cannot take action. We need official reports coming in to us."

The Ulster Council has yet to comment.

Mr Graham's father, Cecil, was shot dead by the IRA while off-duty in November 1981. He was 32.

Two of his uncles, Ronnie and Jimmy Graham, both UDR members, were also murdered.

Ronnie Graham was shot dead as he delivered coal in Lisnaskea in 1981, while Jimmy Graham was shot in February 1985 as he arrived at a local school to take children to swimming classes.

Darren Graham has been involved in the GAA since the age of 12, and said the abuse intensified as he progressed through the ranks to more senior levels and was particularly noticeable during local club matches.

"Unless there's a formal apology by the county, saying it has been happening and they are going to do something about it, I won't be back," he said.

Croke Park said yesterday it would investigate any formal complaint.

Spokesman Fergal McGill said: "If we are [ informed] there will have to be an investigation into the matter and the GAA would take action based on it.

"Thankfully over the years this hasn't been a problem for us. There are many Protestant players throughout the country," he said.

The abuse was also condemned by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.