CHRIS Heaton-Harris has praised the "brilliant display of skill" he witnessed as Derry triumphed over Tyrone on Saturday to lift the Dr McKenna Cup.
The secretary of state was invited to the match by Ulster GAA and was presented with a special jersey afterwards.
Posting on Twitter, he said: "Brilliant display of skill by both teams during a terrific contest in Armagh tonight."
Thanking Ulster GAA for the warm welcome, he added: "I might need to brush up on some of the rules before attempting to referee a game anytime soon."
On social media, many others praised the Conservative MP for making the journey to Armagh.
"Hope you enjoyed the experience. Looking forward to seeing the jersey around Westminster," one comment read.
Another said it was "a brilliant example of community outreach" by the secretary of state and the GAA.
One Twitter user said that while Mr Heaton-Harris was making "a decent and surprising effort," they were hopeful the good will could translate into resolution "to the protocol drama" as the majority of population "desperately desired" the return of the Stormont Assembly.
