Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has attended his first Gaelic football match.

In a significant development for community relations in Northern Ireland, he joined Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at cup final at the Armagh Athletic Grounds.

Ulster Council president Aogán Ó Fearghail welcomed Mr Robinson’s attendance at the Power NI McKenna Cup final between Derry and Tyrone.

He said: “The attendance of the First Minister follows a series of engagements that have taken place involving him and his officials over the past number of years led by our provincial director Danny Murphy.”

The Northern Ireland Executive has earmarked more than £100 million to redevelop stadia linked to Gaelic games, rugby and football.

This includes a major scheme for the GAA’s Casement Park ground in the heart of west Belfast.

Mr O’Fearghail added: “Myself, Danny Murphy and Tom Daly (chairman of the Casement Park Stadium Project) first met the First Minister last year and Ulster GAA would want to again recognise the significant investment that the Executive under the leadership of both the First and Deputy First Ministers have committed to the Casement Park redevelopment and to many other GAA projects.

“I thank them for their confidence in and support for Ulster GAA.” He added: “As an Association, we are committed to a shared future for all in Ireland.

“We outreach to many who have had no traditional involvement with the GAA.

“The presence of the First Minister at tonight’s match is part of that engagement process and something I warmly welcome.”

PA