A FULL inquiry was promised yesterday into a violent brawl during a GAA match at which an official collapsed and died. Barney Horisk suffered a fatal heart attack at the Tyrone Division One League final between Errigal Ciaran and Carrickmore.
Frank Rodgers, the secretary of the Tyrone Games Administration Committee, paid tribute to Horisk, a former Errigal Ciaran chairman, saying he was a dedicated GAA member. Rodgers said a full inquiry will be carried out into disturbing scenes which yet again marred a showpiece sporting occasion.
Horisk (56) was watching the game from the stand at Fintona when violence erupted in the closing stages.
"There was a general feeling amongst many people present that the tragedy in the stands was directly related to the on field scenes," said Rodgers. "Hopefully everyone will now come to their senses and realise that this type of behaviour cannot continue."
Up to 25 players were involved in the melee, the latest in a series of such incidents in Tyrone club games season. Referee Michael Hughes four players off. Errigal were leading by 0-10 to 0-7 when the fighting started in injury time at the end of the game.
The brawl came just a week after stiff suspensions were handed down to 14 players involved in a free for all during the Tyrone Intermediate Championship final between Donaghmore and Newtonstewart.
Paul Doris, the chairman of the Tyrone county board, and GAC chairman Peter Kennedy were both present at Sunday's match.
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