Statement by TUV councillor Stephen Cooper:
“The video of Tyrone GAA singing rebel songs as a band parade passed is a telling insight into the culture of the organisation. Far from being unrepresentative of the GAA it fits well with an organisation which continues to celebrate the actions of people like Hunger Striker Kevin Lynch who has a club named in his honour. What sort of sporting organisation names a club after someone convicted of the kneecapping from the area in which the club is situated? How can a sport celebrate someone who not only denied someone the ability to play sport but robbed them of the ability to walk unaided?
“Saturday provided something of an answer to that question.
“There will be many who will note the interesting contrast in how these players are treated and how Northern Ireland football supporters singing sectarian songs were vilified. Their conduct was unacceptable but media organisations had no hesitation in broadcasting that unacceptable behaviour with their faces clearly visible with all the ramifications that brought for those concerned.
“This incident should not be brushed under the carpet but should be a catalyst for the GAA to examine the culture within the organisation which makes players and supporters believe that this sort of conduct is acceptable.”