ANTRIM GAA has apologised to a disabled fan after he was denied access to a championship replay in west Belfast.
Stephen McCoy, who has been a lifelong fan of Cargin, turned up to see his team take on Lamh Dhearg on Saturday however was not allowed into the grounds because they had "no room".
The 47-year-old GAA fan was left in a wheelchair after surviving the 1989 Kegworth Air Disaster.
A former boxing champion, he was 16 at the time.
His injuries were so severe he did not regain consciousness for 18 months and he spent the next three years in hospital.
The Toomebridge man was left with brain damage and paralysis down one side.
Posting on Facebook, Mr McCoy's niece, Michaela McGorrey uploaded of photo of her uncle instead having to watch the championship replay on his phone.
She wrote: "Stephen McCoy watching the Cargin and lamh dhearg match he had his ticket and all bought but was turned away because they had no room because he was in a wheelchair. I think this is disgusting..Stephen never complains at all but deep down we know Stephen struggles daily..I don't normally do this but this isn’t fair and breaks my heart."
Antrim GAA later issued an apology.
Ciarán McCavana, County Chairman, said: "On behalf of Antrim GAA I would like to apologise.
"It was brought to my attention that you did not gain access to the ground due to arriving after 2pm. I walked to the entrance to ensure your access but you had driven on. I then spoke to your chairman to contact you to return and I would ensure entry.
"St John’s had a memorial event on today and new volunteers were manning the gate and were told to adhere to Belfast city council rule of no car access after 2pm. Once again I apologise for this."
Following Cargin's victory, the winning team visited Mr McCoy at home with the cup.
Images show the 47-year-old celebrating with the team.
Speaking to the Irish News yesterday, Yvonne McCoy, who is her brother's carer, said the family had been left "disgusted" by what had happened.
She said her brother arrived home from the match "so upset".
She said however her brother was "delighted" when the Cargin team visited him at home following their victory leaving him "overwhelmed".
