Ulster GAA have said they are liaising with the PSNI and the Civil Aviation Authority after a plane displaying a banner flew over Páirc Esler during Sunday’s Ulster SFC quarter-final between Down and Donegal.
The provincial council joined the Down county board in condemning the incident with the banner directed at Down GAA secretary Seán Óg McAteer.
Down booked their place in the semi-finals thanks to a 2-13 to 1-11 win in Newry, but the noise from the aircraft caused annoyance to those in attendance and watching live on television.
Read more: Down GAA issue statement after banner is flown over Páirc Esler during Ulster SFC win over Donegal
In a statement, Ulster GAA said: “Patrons present at yesterday’s Ulster Senior Football Championship fixture between Down and Donegal in Páirc Esler, Newry, will be aware that an aircraft displaying a banner flew overhead for a large duration of the first half of the game.
“The banner displayed a message pertaining to Down GAA County Secretary, Seán Óg McAteer.
“That the reputation of such a respected and hard-working person should be questioned in this way is truly reprehensible and one must question the motivation and character of someone who would go to such lengths to make some self-fulfilling remark.
“Ulster GAA fully supports Seán Óg and the statement issued last night by the Down GAA County Committee.
“Ulster GAA is also concerned that the deployment of an aircraft in this way created a potential safety risk, while the noise from the aircraft’s engine caused great annoyance to players, match officials, spectators and those viewing the game on television.
“Ulster GAA wishes to confirm that we are liaising with both the PSNI and the Civil Aviation Authority in relation to the incident.”
Down issued their own statement on the matter on Sunday evening and a number of clubs and GAA personalities took to social media to state their support to McAteer.
“We regret that the vindictive actions of an individual, who arranged for a banner to be flown above the ground during the first half of the senior game, was an attempt to tarnish the occasion,” the statement from Down GAA read.
“It is clear to everyone that this was the action of someone who could not be regarded as a true supporter of Down and the GAA.
“We value the trojan work and dedication of our County Secretary Seán Óg McAteer and of all our officers and volunteers, and we would encourage the individual behind this stunt to put their time and resources to better use.”
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