TYRONE GAA's efforts to highlight the campaign to upgrade the A5 have been praised by an MLA.
Outgoing Tyrone chairman Michael Kerr accused the GAA of lacking courage and empathy over its refusal to allow a campaign logo for the road upgrade to be carried on the county's senior team jerseys for one match.
Forty five people have died on the notorious road between Ballygawley and Omagh in the past decade and a half but a proposed upgrade, partly funded by the Dublin government, has faced countless delays.
According to Mr Kerr, Tyrone sought permission from the GAA to sport the campaign logo on the front of the county's jersey for one of the early National League fixtures in 2023.
“That permission was sought but unfortunately refused," he said.
"The highest committee in our association refused permission even though in the past several counties have been granted permission, and rightfully so, to change their jerseys to commemorate historical events within their county and nationally."
He said the sporting body's response to the request "showed complete ignorance of this issue and a lack of empathy as well as a lack of courage".
The GAA has not commented on the matter.
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan praised Tyrone's campaigning efforts.
“Getting the A5 upgrade completed is the most important issue for people in this area and something I’m determined to work for every day until we see this life-saving work carried out," he said.
"We all have a duty to use our platform in whatever way we can to push for progress on this vital project and I appreciate the efforts of the local GAA in highlighting the cause."
