A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault as police investigate an alleged incident during Armagh senior footballers’ recent trip to the US.
It had been reported that a group had gone to Miami, Florida, in November to celebrate the side’s All-Ireland win, their first title in 22 years after they beat Galway at Croke Park.
A complaint is understood to have been made by one of the members of the party who travelled to Florida.
Around 30 players, the management team, family members and other senior figures from the Armagh County Board are understood to have spent a week in Miami during the middle of last month.
They stayed in the five-star Eden Roc hotel on the city’s beachfront.
On Monday, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said police would wait for an approach from authorities in the US before taking any further action.
A man then presented himself to police for interview in relation to the incident on Tuesday.
The PSNI have now confirmed a man has been arrested.
“Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, on Tuesday December 10,” said a spokesperson.
“He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”
It comes after an Armagh man voluntarily presented himself to police to be interviewed in relation to the incident.
In a statement released by solicitor Patrick Higgins from Donnelly and Wall Solicitors, the lawyer confirmed: “My client voluntarily presented himself to the PSNI yesterday to be interviewed.
“He co-operated fully with the PSNI in the initial stages of the investigation.
“He is innocent of all charges and vows to do everything in his power to clear his name.”
The Miami Beach Police Department said they had not received any reports in relation to the incident.
“After conducting a thorough review of the limited information available, our records do not indicate that any incidents of sexual battery were reported at the Eden Roc Hotel during the period from November 13 to November 20,” said a spokesperson.
The GAA has confirmed it is responding to the reported incident.
“We are aware of a reported incident and are responding to serious allegations,” said a spokesperson.
“We can confirm Armagh GAA is continuing to respond to this matter in collaboration with Ulster GAA, the GAA at Central Level and the PSNI.
“Out of respect for those involved and ongoing police enquiries, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”