I'll go back but GAA must stamp out abuse, warns star Darren

A DUAL GAA star who quit Gaelic games last week after suffering years of sectarian taunts and abuse has confirmed that he will return to the game.

Darren Graham (25) said he would turn out for his club Lisnaskea in Fermanagh in the championship hurling final on August 26 if he was selected.

He was responding to a statement from Fermanagh County Board on Wednesday night which apologised to Darren and said it was commited to stamping out sectarian abuse.

Outside

"They are bringing in outside bodies to chat to the clubs and try to stamp it out. If I can see they are trying to do that, I will definitely go back," Darren said yesterday.

Darren was only weeks old when his UDR member father Cecil was shot dead in November 1981 by the IRA while his uncles Ronnie and Jimmy Graham were also murdered by republicans.

Opposition players and rival fans subjected Darren to a litany of abuse but the Lisnaskea Emmetts player finally walked off a pitch in disgust over a week ago after being called "a black and orange ****".

However, officials at the County Board meeting decided on a number of steps to root out sectarianism, offering an unreserved apology to Darren.

Former President Jack Boothman and other leading representatives have been tasked to chair special meetings of club chairmen and secretaries to discuss concerns about sectarianism.

Pledging that such behaviour will not be tolerated, the Fermanagh County Board said they were "deeply upset" that Darren, who works as a joiner, had to outline the details of the abuse he had endured.

"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," a Board statement said.

"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."

Board chairman Mr Peter Carty said referees, players and clubs were now on "full alert" to root out sectarian behaviour.

The Board said Darren was a skilful exponent of football and hurling, had made "incredible efforts" to be part of Gaelic games and had taken a deep pride in representing his club.

"In Fermanagh we have been especially proud of the fact that over the years many of the Protestant faith have given their best in our games and have worn their clubjersey with intense pride and continue to do so," the Board statement said.