Sam Maguire welcomed back to Stormont

'Sam Maguire' arrived back at Stormont last night as Ulster's two representatives in this year's All-Ireland GAA final were toasted at a special reception to mark their achievements.

Congratulating the winners, Tyrone, and the runners-up, Armagh, NIO Minister,

Angela Smith said the euphoria which accompanied this year's final typified "the positive effect sport can have on society as it stirs the emotions and reaffirms itself as a source of great local pride".

The Minister paid tribute to the teams managers, Mickey Harte of Tyrone, and Joe Kernan of Armagh, for the hard work they had done for their respective counties and had a special word of praise for the winning captain, Tyrone’s Peter Canavan.

"Some had feared that you would be the best player never to have won an All-Ireland. I am delighted that you have laid that ghost to rest. Congratulations," she said.

Praising the GAA for its contribution to local sport, she added: "The immense contribution made by sport to the overall quality of people’s lives should not be underestimated and the Government appreciates fully its importance.

"The GAA has a long history of promoting sport within the community and it can take great satisfaction from the significant contribution it has made and continues to make to society."

(MB)