An Ulster Unionist Councillor has called on the authorities to take action following video evidence of a large crowd gathered at a GAA county final in Bellaghy on Sunday where no social distancing was on display.

Councillor McKinney, who represents the Moyola DEA, said:

“We are in the midst of a global health pandemic and everyone needs to realise that they are responsible for their own actions.

“Last week after the Tyrone county final we saw large crowds gathering in Dungannon where social distancing was not in evidence, so the warning signs were already there.

“Yesterday’s county final between Slaughtneil and Magherafelt had to be moved from Londonderry to Bellaghy because of Covid-19 restrictions introduced in the Derry City & Strabane Council area, so safety measures should have been paramount. However, video evidence has emerged of a very large crowd of people gathered along the touchline in close proximity to each other, with no social distancing on display once again.  

“In addition to the very real and obvious health concerns, these scenes have caused a great deal of frustration amongst fans of other sports, not least football and rugby, where there seems to be a great deal more care taken to adhere to the guidelines and regulations, with restricted crowds and distancing measures put in place and enforced.    

“The authorities need to take note of this and take action. In particular, the Ulster Council of the GAA needs to step in urgently because not only are its own members and spectators being placed at risk as a result of the failure to adhere to safety regulations, the rest of society is being placed at risk also.   

“It would be a gross injustice if other sports, who do obey the rules and regulations, were to be punished as a result of a failure to comply by some GAA clubs and members. No sport is above the law”