Underage presentation was taking place when masked men entered GAA club's premises

A GAA club has issued a statement expressing its anger and shock after masked men entered their premises and issued threats while an underage presentation was taking place on Friday night.

A number of masked and armed men entered the bar at St Canice's GAC on Friday evening at around 7.20pm.

The individuals, one of whom was believed to be armed with a hand gun, warned people that they will take action against anyone selling drugs.

Police received a further report around 9pm that masked men had entered licensed premises on Main Street and again made threats before leaving.

There were no reports of any injuries.

It is understood that the individuals, visited other licensed premises on the same night.

A police investigation has been commenced into these incidents and earlier this morning a 58 year-old man was arrested in the Dungiven area.

He was detained under the Terrorism Act and has been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station for questioning.

Earlier this evening, St Canice's GAC Executive issued a statement in relation to the incident.

“We, St Canice’s GAC, are extremely angry and shocked at masked men entering our premises and issuing threats against our community.

“The fact that these masked men entered our premises while we had over 100 children and their parents attending an underage presentation makes it even more despicable.

“Our club stands united against any form of drug taking or criminality in our community.

“The fact that these men entered our premises implies that this type of activity takes place here or that we have an issue in or on the premises.

“We as a club executive would like to state categorically that we would not tolerate such activities, and to our knowledge no such activities take place in or on our premises.

“On the contrary we are leaders in our community in highlighting the impact of addiction on people, their families, and the community.

“We run workshops and are partnered with Alps in helping people with addictions and Mental Health issues.

“We’re involved in cross community projects, and we pride ourselves on our place as leaders in the community as an example to young and old, in coaching teamwork and life skills, to help others in our community, and the importance of charitable work for those less fortunate than ourselves.

“This type of threat by masked men entering our premises is deplorable and of days gone by.

“There is no need for this type of behaviour in a society that’s looking to move beyond what happened in our past.

“We urge the people of our community to stand together against all types of criminality and we as a Club will continue our efforts to support those in need within our community.”