Jarlath Burns gives emotional reaction as GAA Congress interrupted by anti-Allianz protesters at 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."

"They are injured. Somebody is waiting down there for an ambulance to come," Burns told delegates, revealing that members of the security team had been injured trying to prevent protesters 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 GAA Congress held at Croke Park, disrupting proceedings for approximately 15 minutes. The protesters, carrying Palestinian flags and Irish tricolours, chanted against Allianz sponsorship, referencing the company's purchase of Israeli Government bonds. Nine counties had passed motions at their conventions calling for an end to Allianz's sponsorship of GAA competitions. GAA president Jarlath Burns called for an adjournment and later revealed security team members were injured during the breach, with one awaiting ambulance assistance. Burns appealed to GAA members to examine their consciences regarding support for such disruptive actions.

Read at Irish Independent