Tyrone GAA investigating after two men stabbed at U16's match in Cookstown

Tyrone GAA says it will hold its own investigation into the circumstances around a stabbing at an under 16's Gaelic football match.

It happened in the championship match between Cookstown. Fr Rocks and Fintona Pearses last night.

Two men were injured; with one taken to hospital.

A man in his 40's remains in police custody.

Cookstown Fr Rocks Gaelic Football Club said it was working to support children who witnessed the incident.

A statement added, "Following a very serious incident at Padraig O'Cuilinn Pairc this evening during an Under-16 Championship match our thoughts are with the individuals impacted by it. "

"The committee will now work to ensure that children and young people who witnessed this disturbing and very serious incident have the support and assistance that they require in the coming days."

"The club will be making no further comment on this."

In a statement on social media Fintona Pearses said,, “The Club is aware of a serious incident that occurred tonight at an underage football match which the PSNI are investigating . Our thoughts are with those impacted and all focus is on the welfare of the children & young people present.”

“The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”

The incident has been condemned by local policitians. Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill said, “This was a shocking incident at Padráig O’ Cuilinn Pairc yesterday evening. My thoughts are with those injured and impacted. Anyone with any information should assist with Police inquiries. I commend the work that’s now underway to assist and support the young people who where at the game.”

Meanwhile local DUP MLA Keith Buchanan told Downtown/Cool FM it’s unbelievable a violent act has happened in front of young people in County Tyrone yet again.

He said, “Its very shocking that so many people have witnessed that and it comes only after recent months when young people involved in sport witnessed the attempted murder of John Caldwell.”

The senior PSNI officer was shot multiple times as a sports complex in Omagh in February, in front of his son and other young people.

Also condemning last night’s incident Cookstown Youth FC chairman Andy Kelly said, ““There is no place in our society for this sort of behaviour and only by the grace of God this incident could have been a lot more serious, an under 16s game no matter at what sport should be a place of entertainment for all those there and not one of danger which was witnessed last night at Paddy Cullen Park, quite a few of our own players and parents were there last night and as a club we will support them and Father Rocks in any way possible”.

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