Jarlath Burns reacts as GAA Congress paused after protesters against Allianz sponsorship deal gain access to Croke Park

"The protesters, who had been part of a larger rally which had been taking place outside Croke Park all morning, breached security to make it where Congress was taking place. Despite appeals from GAA president Jarlath Burns for the protesters to leave, they remained for up to 15 minutes."

"Shouting "Allianz no more" and "Allianz Out" the protesters, carrying pro Palestinian flags and tricolours, resisted attempts by security to persuade them to leave. Eventually Burns called an adjournment for lunch."

"Resuming after the pause, GAA president Jarlath Burns thanked delegates for showing "restraint" as the protesters entered and revealed that members of the security team had been injured trying to prevent them from gaining access at the main entrance on Jones Road."

Pro-Palestinian protesters organized by groups including Irish Sport for Palestine and Gaels Against Genocide breached security at Croke Park during GAA Congress, disrupting proceedings for approximately 15 minutes. The protesters, carrying Palestinian flags and Irish tricolours, chanted against Allianz sponsorship and resisted security efforts to remove them. GAA president Jarlath Burns called for an adjournment and later revealed security personnel sustained injuries during the breach, with one member awaiting ambulance assistance. The Congress had been scheduled to discuss nine county motions calling for termination of Allianz sponsorship due to the company's purchase of Israeli Government bonds, but these motions were not addressed during the session.

Read at Irish Independent