I am aware that a former Treasurer and member of Crossmaglen Rangers CLG, Mr Thomas McKenna, appeared in court today, 29 September 2022, and pleaded guilty to numerous charges of sexual abuse that span over a 30-year period.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the GAA I wish to apologise to his many victims in Crossmaglen Rangers, and to their families, for the hurt that has been caused by this abuse and to assure them that the GAA will continue to support them on an on-going basis.

Our current child safeguarding policies are seen by many to be comprehensive in content and robust in application and while much of the abuse perpetrated by Mr McKenna goes back almost 30 years, it is a reminder to us all, if ever needed, that we can never be over vigilant in how we oversee and apply child safeguarding in our clubs.

I want to acknowledge and express my admiration to the victims for the courage they have shown in coming forward and cooperating with our GAA safeguarding personnel in reporting the initial allegations to the statutory authorities.

I would also urge any person who may have safeguarding concerns about these terrible crimes, or other safeguarding matters in the GAA, to contact the relevant statutory authorities or the GAA at nationalchildrensoffice@gaa.ie or at safeguarding.ulster@gaa.ie

Labhrás Mac Carthaigh

Uachtarán

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael