DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons attended his first senior GAA game at Armagh’s Athletic Grounds on Saturday. His visit came as Armagh defeated Derry, the current All-Ireland champions.
This marked the first senior GAA game Lyons has attended since taking office in February 2024. The minister, who oversees sport in Northern Ireland, stressed the importance of supporting all sports across all communities. He said his focus remains on promoting sports at every level.
Lyons’ attendance followed previous criticism from GAA President Jarlath Burns, who questioned the minister’s absence from senior matches. Lyons said he recognises the role the GAA plays in increasing public participation in sport.
Although he arrived a few minutes after kickoff, Lyons took his seat alongside GAA officials. However, he missed the playing of the Irish national anthem, a moment often noted in such politically sensitive contexts.
Ulster GAA secretary Brian McAvoy acknowledged that earlier attendance would have been better. He explained that the minister avoids Sunday events due to personal beliefs. Still, McAvoy welcomed Lyons’ eventual visit, noting the warm reception he received.
This is not Lyons’ first GAA-related event. He previously attended a youth football festival in County Antrim. The GAA had invited him to last year’s All-Ireland and Ulster finals, but he declined due to scheduling conflicts.
His visit comes just weeks before a crucial decision on the future of Casement Park in west Belfast. The UK government is due to decide in June whether it will help fund the stalled redevelopment project.
Casement Park has faced delays due to a £150 million funding gap, despite commitments from the Stormont Executive, the Irish government, and the GAA. Secretary of State Hilary Benn has stated the UK will not cover that shortfall alone.
The first senior GAA game visit also reflects a broader change in unionist relations with the GAA. While historic tensions existed, especially over identity and anthem traditions, those divisions have softened in recent years.
Past DUP leaders, including Edwin Poots, Peter Robinson, and Arlene Foster, have all attended matches. Foster notably stood for the national anthem at the 2018 Ulster Final.
Lyons’ attendance is a symbolic step during a critical moment for GAA infrastructure and unionist engagement.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
