Communities Minister Gordon Lyons met with Armagh’s All Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker, and Sam Maguire, at the Ulster GAA Games for All Festival in Co Antrim on Saturday.
The event, hosted by the Kickham’s GAC Creggan club in Randalstown, is part of a larger all island project by the organisation to include children and younger players with additional needs in the games.
Mr Lyons has faced criticism over his failure to attend any GAA games or events during his seven month tenure as the minister overseeing sports in the north.
During his tenure, he has attended rugby and cricket games and visited more than 20 soccer grounds.
“I always welcome the opportunity to see people of all ages and abilities coming together in sport – and doing so in a way which is inclusive and accessible,” the minister said.
“Being active contributes significantly to better physical and mental health. I commend the many organisations who work to encourage and support participation, and applaud all those involved in today’s event.”
The Department for Communities, in a statement, added that its minister met GAA officials at the Creggan club and “saw the games in action”. It added that he took “the opportunity to talk to participants and cheer on those taking part”.
Games for All encourages children and young people with additional needs to try out and play GAA games. More than 350 had registered to take part in this year’s Ulster gathering.
While Mr Lyons received criticism for not visiting any GAA grounds or events, his DUP colleagues Edwin Poots, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster, all former leaders of the party, all did so, beginning with the former in 2008.
Following a visit to St Paul’s in west Belfast, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Thank you to all at St Paul’s GAC for the warm welcome this afternoon, for telling me all about their teams and GAA sports and for the wonderful young people who demonstrated their sporting skills for us.”
