25 June 2007

GAA official attacked and robbed

A member of the Ulster GAA council has been attacked and robbed near Dungannon, County Tyrone.

The Ulster Council associate had been transporting the takings from a GAA game at Casement Park in west Belfast when the incident took place on the A4 outside Dungannon on Sunday.

The hijackers used traffic cones to slow down the man’s car before they opened the door and attacked him around the legs with hammers to force him from his vehicle.

The Laguna he was driving was then turned around and driven back in the direction of Belfast, and followed by an accomplice in a red Peugeot 207.

One of the attackers was described as being in his mid 30s and was wearing a grey anorak and black woolly hat.

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness condemned the attack, saying: “This was a disgraceful and senseless attack and I wish to send my best wishes to the GAA official and would ask anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

The victim was treated at the scene, and his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

(JM)