GAA President Jarlath Burns has called on all counties throughout the island of Ireland to help promote an upcoming demonstration in Belfast calling for work to begin on the upgrade of the A5 road.
The major road runs through Co Tyrone, linking Derry with Aughnacloy, and is one of Northern Ireland’s busiest and most dangerous routes known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
In an open letter, Jarlath Burns called on the GAA community, particularly those across Ulster, to become “a voice for change and help ensure that no more families suffer the devastation of losing a loved one on this road.”
Jarlath Burns
“This campaign is not simply about upgrading a road — it is about protecting lives,” he wrote.
“Since 2006, 57 people have tragically lost their lives on the A5, leaving behind families and communities forever changed by grief.
“Among them was Caolán Devlin, who died in March 2024.
“His brother, Niall, who captained Tyrone to All-Ireland Under-20 success, is just one of many who have endured unimaginable loss.”
There have been long-delayed plans to turn the A5 into a dual carriageway in a bid to ease congestion and make it safer with an upgrade first announced back in 2007 Caolán Devlin however the scheme has been delayed by legal challenges and funding issues.
Community groups, such as the A5 Enough Is Enough Group, continue to advocate for the road’s upgrade, with activists set to hold a peaceful protest next Tuesday, March 18, outside Belfast’s High Court.
It follows the most recent legal challenge to the upgrade after a judicial review was lodged by the Alternative A5 Alliance Caolán Devlin a group consisting of farmers, landowners, and environmentalists who argue that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has violated its own climate change laws with the proposed plans.
A delayed three-day hearing is due to take place including a sitting on Tuesday Caolán Devlin the same day of the protest Caolán Devlin and will be heard after the DfI failed to submit evidence of a set deadline.
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Mr Burns, who is backing campaigners, also referred to Michael Rafferty, captain of last year’s victorious All-Ireland Tyrone team who lost his brother John in a devastating crash back in October 2022.
“These young men, both leaders on the field, carry private heartache that should never have been theirs to bear,” he said.
“These sad stories are chapters in a tragic narrative which has weaved its way through the geography and history of this part of Ulster.”
John Rafferty (21) from the Omagh area died on the A5 in October 2022
Tyrone GAA has continually campaigned for the A5 update, and Mr Burns added that “Tuesday, 18th March, is an opportunity for the GAA community to stand together, to honour those we have lost, and to demand action before more lives are needlessly taken”.
“I encourage as many people as possible to attend and to send a clear, united message: enough is enough. This project must proceed without further delay,” the Armagh man stated.
The demonstrators will assemble at 9am outside the High Court on Chichester Street next Tuesday.
Caolan Devlin died after collision between car and lorry in March 2024