Statement by Beragh Red Knights GAA

The Chairman of Beragh Red Knights GAA Club Gearoid O Treasaigh delivered the following statement alongside the President of the Ulster Council GAA Aogan Ó Fearghail and Chairman of the Tyrone County GAA Ciaran MacLochlainn in Beragh GAA Club House on Monday 4th April.

Thank you all for coming here today, under these difficult circumstances.  Firstly I would like to thank the President of Ulster GAA Aogan O’Fearghail and Tyrone GAA Cathaiorleach Ciaran McLaughlin for being present today and for the support provided and shown by the entire GAA family in Tyrone and across Ulster  over the last few days.

I also want to thank the civic leaders in particular the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Minister for Justice and the Chief Constable for their stance, words and actions, they spoke for our entire Community.

Constable Ronan Kerr was a former playing member of our Club and an important part of our Community; he played football for Beragh Red Knights GAA up to the age of 18 and represented our Club with distinction and commitment. He was a decent, hard working and genuine individual who was respected by the members of this Club, he was loved by his family and highly regarded by everyone in this Community.

Ronan Kerr was a Catholic, an Irish Man and a Gael, who joined the PSNI because he wanted to play his part in making our society a better place. Many members of our Club were aware of Ronan’s career path and supported him on his choice.

As Aoghan and Ciaran made clear in their statement yesterday, the GAA stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kerr family, the PSNI and the entire Community in condemning outright this murder. We also send a strong message today to all of those people who continue to engage in this activity – you have no support in our community and your actions do not represent the views and feelings of the vast majority of people in Ireland.

Last evening, Aogan, Ciaran and Tyrone Manager Mickey Harte, visited the Kerr household and offered the full support of the GAA to the family. Beragh Red Knights GAA will also do its best to support the Kerr family through this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ronan’s mother Nuala, her two sons Cathair and Aaron and daughter Dairine as they grieve for their son and brother.

Ronan will always be fondly remembered as a highly respected young man who played his part in the development of our Club. May you rest in peace Ronan.

Thank you.

Gearoid O Treasaigh
Cathaiorleach – Beragh Red Knights GAA Club

Photo courtesy of Michael Cullen