Tyrone gaels send United Ireland letter to Taoiseach

OVER 1,000 people involved in gaelic games across Tyrone have so far signed a letter to Taoiseach, Michael Martin, urging him to establish an All-Island Assembly aimed at agreeing a way forward towards a United Ireland.

The letter is the latest in a series from gaels and follows on from similar initiatives in the other Northern counties which will also be sent to the Taoiseach.

Among those who have signed so far are Red Hand defender and Allstar, Ronan McNamee, the former Footballer of the Year, Stephen O’Neill, Fermanagh manager and former Dromore player, Ryan McMenamin, and ladies star, Siobhan Sheerin. The list also includes the current County PRO, Eugene McConnell and well-known referee, Sean Hurson and young players, including Antoin Fox from Loughmacrory.

Those who have signed the letter say it is the ‘democratic responsibility’ of the Taoiseach to ensure that the rights of all the citizens of the country are protected, especially in the wake of Brexit.

Conor Sally, chairman of Omagh St Enda’s GAA, one of those who have signed the letter, said that those behind the initiative were hoping to send a strong message to the Taoiseach.

“A number of similar letters have already been formulated and have proven to be immensely significant documents in relation to the future of our island,” he said.

“As it states in the letter, we are asking the Government to establish an All-Island Citizens Assembly to help contribute to the conversations which are taking place regarding what shape our island can take in the coming period. Those conversations are also happening amongst the GAA community.

“We are delighted so far at the growing number of people who have taken the time to sign this letter. The GAA figures, including officials, players and past players, who have signed it so far are an illustration of the many who are becoming increasingly motivated on this issue.”

The letter states that Gaels are ‘ideally placed’ at the heart of local communities to ‘contribute constructively to the conversation on the future of the island. It comes amidst ongoing calls for a border poll on the issue.

However, this can only take place when the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis or his successors, decide that the majority of people would support the holding of the poll.