GAA player who quit over abuse lured back on to field

Eugene Moloney

August 09 2007 04:52 AM

THE protestant GAA footballer who quit his club in Fermanagh after sectarian abuse is expected to take to the field again.

Darren Graham, who played with Lisnaskea Emmetts, is to return to football after promises given by the board, according to the chairman of Fermanagh County Board.

Pater Carty said the board "unreservedly apologise to Darren for any type of abuse he may have suffered on whatever occasion".

The county board is also to call a special meeting of all county clubs to address the issue of sectarianism, attended by senior GAA officials including former president Jack Boothman.

"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. We are at the moment working 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 best of our ability," said Mr Carty.

He added that referees, players and clubs had been alerted that any form of sectarian abuse or abuse of any kind towards members or players would not be tolerated and warned that "severe penalties" would be applied to any culprits.

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