merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has this evening addressed the GAA Congress in Mullingar. The Taoiseach remembered PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr in his speech and  spoke of the leadership shown by the organisation after his death:

This is an evening of celebration but I know you will join with me tonight in remembering PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr. I stood with the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland, with Uachtarán Christy Cooney, with the President of the Ulster Council, and with the community of Beragh in Co. Tyrone at his funeral. 

We witnessed Ronan’s coffin carried in relay by his PSNI colleagues and members of Tyrone GAA, including Mickey Harte who despite his own grief came to support the Kerr family. We saw community solidarity, people united in revulsion at the senseless killing of a young man who was dedicating his life to the protection of his community. 

We saw national leadership of the highest order by Cumman Luthchleas Gael. 

Ronan was a son, a brother, a friend, a colleague – and a GAA man. He loved all that was good in life – his sport, his club and his community. 

The Taoiseach also congratulated GAA President Christy Cooney and his colleagues:

I would like to pay tribute to Uachtarán Christy Cooney and all his colleagues in Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and Ard Stiúrthóir Paraic Duffy for the wonderful work they are doing in developing and promoting Gaelic Games.