MLA and All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty has welcomed a “gracious response” from the DUP Speaker at Stormont congratulating the Armagh squad on winning the Sam Maguire.
Edwin Poots praised the “tremendous victory” in a letter issued in response to a request for a special reception at Parliament Buildings made by the Newry and Armagh representative who remains suspended by the SDLP.
Mr McNulty, who had the party whip removed following a row over his role as manager of Laois GAA, shared the official correspondence on social media as he commended the former leader of the DUP.
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“I wrote to Edwin Poots requesting a victory reception for the Armagh team and management,” Mr McNulty wrote on Facebook.
“I have to recognise the Speaker of the Assembly for his gracious response to my letter and for applauding Armagh’s historic victory.”
Mr Poots states in the letter that he has “no issue” with an event taking place “to mark their success” in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final last month.
“I congratulate the Armagh team on this tremendous victory and their drive and determination,” it continues.
“It is evident how much this result means to both the team and the wider community.”
Fans celebrate as the Sam Maguire arrives in Armagh for the first time in 22 years
However, the South Belfast representative pointed out that the rules require his party colleague Gordon Lyons to host any potential celebratory event.
“In relation to holding a reception in Parliament Buildings, I have no issue at all with such an event being held, but I understand that the convention is that it is the Minister for Communities who would host such events, given that responsibility for sport is within that department’s remit,” Mr Poots explained.
“As a passionate representative of your constituency, I know that you will ensure that the Armagh team’s victory is promoted far and wide.”
Mr McNulty, who was a member of the 2002 All-Ireland squad, said that he was “particularly impressed” by the tone of the reply.
“Our politics is often very divisive, so I think when respect and generosity is demonstrated, it is worth celebrating,” he said.
“This was a classy move by the Speaker and I wanted to recognise that.”
DUP Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots
Mr McNulty, who was disciplined by his party after he left midway through Stormont’s recall on February 3 and travelled by helicopter to Wexford to take charge of his senior inter-county side, said there will be many receptions taking place across the country to mark Armagh’s success.
“One is not more important than the other, but it would be nice to have the momentous achievement acknowledged in the place of governance,” he added.
“Edwin was warm, gracious and positive. So fair play to him.”
Speaker Edwin Poots’ response to request for special Armagh GAA reception
Thousands of GAA fans gathered at Armagh’s Athletic Grounds to celebrate the team’s homecoming at the end of last month after they beat Galway by a point, winning 1-11 to 0-13.
Around 82,000 spectators crammed into Croke Park in Dublin to watch the All-Ireland final and witness Armagh lift the Sam Maguire for the first time in more than two decades.
Mr McNulty is “more than hopeful” that Gordon Lyons will make the necessary arrangements for the special event at Stormont to take place.
The Department for Communities has been contacted for comment.