Down GAA condemns plane banner attack on official
April 24, 2023
Pairc Esler, Newry, the home of Down GAA.
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.
Down GAA have condemned the flying of a plane banner during yesterday's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Donegal at Páirc Esler.
The banner bore a message about county secretary Sean Óg McAteer which could be seen during the first half, while photos of the banner were widely circulated on social media afterwards.
In a statement, the county board said: “We hope that all spectators who attended today’s Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final in Newry enjoyed their afternoon. We congratulate our team and management, and we look forward to the semi-final next weekend and the U20 final on Wednesday.
“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.
“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 county secretary Sean Og McAteer and all of our officers and volunteers, and we would encourage the individual behind this stunt to put their time and resources to better use.”
TweetDown GAA Statement 23-04-2023 pic.twitter.com/ajHcl1CJ9U
— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) April 23, 2023
