DUP says IRA memorial event at GAA club 'raises questions'
- Published
DUP's Paula Bradley says an event held at Clonoe O'Rahilly's GAC on Sunday is "part of a continued attempt to normalise the activities of the IRA"
A memorial unveiled at a GAA club to three former IRA members "raises questions" for both Sinn Féin and the GAA, the DUP has said.
Michelle O'Neill was pictured at Clonoe O'Rahilly's GAC in County Tyrone, on Sunday, where a plaque was unveiled.
It was dedicated to Peter Clancy, Hugh Gerard Coney and Brian Campbell.
DUP deputy leader Paula Bradley said the event was "part of a continued attempt to normalise the activities of the IRA".
However, a spokesperson for Sinn Féin said: "Under the Good Friday Agreement, everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect."
The GAA said it was "aware of the commemoration" and was working on guidance for clubs and counties for similar future events.
Ms Bradley said: "Those commemorated at this event are defined not by the fact they were members of a GAA club but by their participation in terrorist attacks.
"That definition is crystallised by a memorial which highlights their status as 'volunteers' above anything else."
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She added: "It is particularly disappointing that GAA clubs continue to associate themselves with attempts to promote such a warped view of history."
In a statement, a spokesperson for the GAA said: "The GAA has become aware of a commemoration which took place recently in the Clonoe O'Rahilly's club in Tyrone, in memory of three of its former club members.
"We respect the right of any unit of the association to remember its dead members but in so doing it is important to recognise the need for sensitivity in such matters.
"The association will work on issuing guidance to clubs and counties on such events in the future."
Peter Clancy was one of four men shot dead by the SAS in Clonoe, County Tyrone in 1992, while Brian Campbell also died after being shot by SAS soldiers in 1983, external.
Hugh Gerard Coney died after he was shot when attempting to escape from prison in 1974.