A referee and umpire were injured in a stabbing incident at an underage gaelic football match in Co Tyrone.
The umpire required hospital treatment following the attack at Paddy Cullen Park in Cookstown on Thursday evening.
It is understood the referee had just finished officiating a game between Cookstown Father Rocks under-16s and Fintona Pearses under-16s when he was approached by a man, prompting the umpire to intervene.
Both officials sustained wounds in a subsequent stabbing incident.
It is understood the injured umpire has since been released from hospital.
Police confirmed a man, aged in his forties was arrested and taken to custody for questioning.
— Cookstown Fr. Rock's (@FrRocksGFC) July 6, 2023
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 9:03pm. Following assessment and initial treatment, one man was taken to Antrim Area Hospital while the other injured person received treatment at the scene.
Club working to support children
Cookstown Fr Rocks Gaelic Football Club said it was working to support children who witnessed the incident.
A statement from the club said: “Following a very serious incident at Padraig O’Cuilinn Pairc this evening during an Under-16 Championship match our thoughts are with the individuals impacted by it.
“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.
“The club will be making no further comment on this.”
'A first and hopefully a last'
Chief executive of Ulster GAA Brian McAvoy extended his thoughts to the injured men.
“I have been involved in the GAA for over 50 years and never known anything like this and anyone I have spoken to today has never known anything like it either, so it seems to be a first and hopefully a last,” he told the PA news agency.
“Our thoughts go out to the referee and umpire who were injured in the incident.
“It’s a traumatic time for them and also for the two young teams. This attack happened in front of children and that can’t be lost. It’s unacceptable that it happens at all, but it’s magnified when it happens in front of children.
“I know the Tyrone County Board in conjunction with the two clubs have initiated support mechanisms for any aftermath that they may have suffered.”
'Duty of care'
The GAA issued a statement of condemnation.
“The GAA condemns in the strongest terms possible the incident that marred an underage game in Tyrone last night leaving two people injured,” it said.
“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 support required for our underage players and members will be provided.”
Tyrone GAA investigating
In a statement, Tyrone GAA said it was investigating the circumstances around the incident and was taking it "most seriously".
"We will be offering our support to those affected. We can make no further comment at this time," the statement added.
Alliance councillor for Omagh Stephen Donnelly said he was "deeply concerned" by the incident.
"My thoughts are with all the young people and children who were unfortunate enough to witness such a shocking act of violence," he added.
'Deeply traumatising'
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy wished the victims a full and speedy recovery and urged anyone with information to assist the police investigation.
“News that two people were stabbed at an under-16 GAA game in Cookstown on Thursday night is shocking," he said.
“The fact this incident took place at a game where young people were playing sport is concerning and deeply traumatising, particularly for the young people who witnessed it.
“It’s essential that these young people and children have the support and assistance they require over the coming days."
'Horrified'
SDLP sports spokesman Justin McNulty said everyone was shocked at hearing about "this appalling incident".
"The GAA is at the heart of so many communities the length and breadth of Ireland and people will be horrified at what has taken place here. Spectators, players and officials should be able to attend and participate in matches without being subjected to something like this," he said.
“My thoughts are with the two men who were injured and I hope they make a quick and full recovery. I’m also concerned about the young players and spectators who will have witnessed this incident. I trust and know that the GAA locally will do everything they can to support those who’ve been impacted to help them to overcome what must have been a very frightening and traumatic experience.”
The GAA said it condemned the incident "in the strongest terms possible".
"As an organisation we have a duty of care to protect our volunteer officials and the events that unfolded in Cookstown are totally unacceptable," it said.
"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."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 101.
