LAST UPDATE | 7 Jul 2023
A MAN HAS been arrested after two people were stabbed at an under-16s GAA match in Co Tyrone yesterday evening.
The incident happened at a sports ground on Covent Road in Cookstown.
Cookstown Fr Rocks were playing Fintona Pearses in an Under-16s match.
PSNI officers and members from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene after two people sustained stab wounds.
One man was taken to hospital and the second injured person received treatment at the scene.
A man, aged in his 40s, has been arrested. He will be taken to custody for questioning, the PSNI said in a statement.
“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have footage that could assist our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1960 of 06/07/23,” the statement said.
Cookstown Fr Rocks said in a statement that its “thoughts are with the individuals impacted” by the incident.
“The committee will now work to ensure that children and young people who witnessed this disturbing and very serious incident have the support and assistance that they require in the coming days,” it said.
Fintona Pearses said in a statement that it is “aware of a serious incident that occured” at the match.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted and all focus is on the welfare of the children and young people present,” it said.
In a statement this afternoon, the GAA condemned the incident.
“The GAA condemns in the strongest terms possible the incident that marred an underage game in Tyrone last night leaving two people injured”, read the Association statement.
“As an organisation we have a duty of care to protect our volunteer officials and the events that unfolded in Cookstown are totally unacceptable. We will work with the PSNI and our units, at both county and club level, to establish the facts around what occurred and, in the meantime, we extend our best wishes to those who were injured in the incident. Any supports required for our underage players and members will be provided.”
Written by Hayley Halpin and posted on TheJournal.ie
Updated at 13.08 with GAA statement
