DUP MLA Gordon Lyons has attended his first GAA event following criticism for turning down invitations since he was appointed communities minister back in February.
He visited Kickhams GAC in Creggan, Co Antrim – which is the home club of former police officer Peadar Heffron who was seriously injured by a dissident republican bomb 14-years-ago – on Saturday.
The sports minister posed for pictures alongside Ulster GAA secretary Ciaran McLaughlin who was holding the Sam Maguire Cup with Armagh captain Aidan Forker during the Ulster GAA Games For All Festival,
“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,” Mr Lyons said.
“Being active contributes significantly to better physical and mental health.
Sports Minister Gordon Lyons taking a selfie with Jay Beatty as he attends the Ulster GAA Games For All Festival at Kickham’s GAC in Randalstown on Saturday.
“I commend the many organisations who work to encourage and support participation, and applaud all those involved in today’s event.”
As well as meeting GAA officials, the minister saw the games in action and took the opportunity to cheer on those taking part.
Other prominent DUP figures, including former first ministers Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster, have attended high profile Gaelic games in the past.
But Mr Lyon’s attendance this weekend marks the first time the sports minister accepted an invitation from the GAA.
The popular initiative aims to promote an “inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for everyone”.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly tried her hand at camogie during a visit to St Paul’s GAC in west Belfast earlier this year.
However, it emerged that Mr Lyons was invited to two games including the All-Ireland football final in July, but chose not to attend and therefore missing out on Armagh’s historic win.
The department claimed both invitations “conflicted with other diary commitments” but failed to provide details of what they were.
Gordon Lyons attends the Ulster GAA Games For All Festival at Kickham’s GAC in Randalstown on Saturday.
The minister later travelled to France to take part in several events during the Olympic Games in Paris including golf, showjumping, tennis and rowing.
Mr Heffron lost a leg after being targeted by a boobytrap car bomb in January 2010 near Randalstown and is currently a member of St Paul’s GAC Holywood – he captained the Ulster GAA wheelchair hurling team to a National League title and is a relative of Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney.
He previously spoke about his refusal to be “bitter or angry” at his attackers and admitted he would not join the police if he could go back in time.
Since the attack, the amputee has embraced wheelchair sports including basketball and, in particular, hurling.
A threat to his life while he was working in Ballymena specifically referenced his GAA activities, and resulted in him having to leave the area.
The Department for Communities previously confirmed Mr Lyons intends to host a reception at Parliament Buildings for Armagh GAA to celebrate their success as All Ireland Champions.