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25th July 2024
02:57pm BST
Politicians have condemned the 'thugs' who sprayed sectarian graffiti in Armagh in the build-up to the All-Ireland football final.
Armagh are looking to win just a second All-Ireland title in their history when they take on 10-time winners Galway on Sunday.
The Orchard County are confident they can win add to their one and only victory back in 2003 however controversy has already arisen after two separate incidents involving provocative messages in black graffiti.
Madden Rapparees GAA Club were the first target and a sign was then marked with graffiti stating ‘no surrender’ next to a drawing of a black hand.
Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan described the "sectarianism" as "absolutely disgraceful behaviour".
A statement on Facebook said: "People all over the county are embracing this wonderful opportunity to celebrate our football stars and the massive effort they have put in to get into their first All-Ireland final in 21 years.
"Sectarianism has no place within our community."
Another incident took place on a bus shelter outside the town of Maghery, painted in orange and white to show their support for Armagh. On the shelter the letters spelling out UVF were on the shelter, sparking an angry response from Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson.
Posting to X, he said: "It is outrageous and unacceptable that this sectarian graffiti has appeared in Maghery overnight.
"People from across our community are getting behind Armagh ahead of Sunday’s final, and spirits will not be dampened by pathetic thugs."
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