Darren Graham, the Protestant GAA player from Co Fermanagh who recently abandoned the games because of sectarian abuse, has indicated he will return to the game after the Fermanagh County Board apologised for the abuse.
The GAA has also set in place new procedures in Fermanagh to stamp out any future sectarian abuse. Former GAA president Jack Boothman, himself a Protestant, and other senior officials will hold special meetings with county club secretaries and chairpersons and also with referees to tackle the issue. The strength of the Fermanagh board apology and the messages of support Mr Graham received from all over Ireland has persuaded him to reconsider his decision.
Mr Graham (25) walked off a game between his club, Lisnaskea Emmets, and Brookeborough last Sunday week after he was subjected to abuse, which he said was a regular experience.
The Fermanagh board "unreservedly" condemned the abuse. "Darren Graham has been and continues to be a skilful exponent of football and hurling. He has made incredible efforts to be part of our games and has taken deep pride in representing Lisnaskea Emmets," the board said in a statement.
"No player, no sportsman, no person should have to put up with such treatment and as a county board we unreservedly apologise to Darren for any type of abuse he may have suffered on whatever occasion," it added.
There is a county championship hurling final at the end of this month in which Lisnaskea is involved and yesterday Mr Graham indicated he wanted to play in that game.
