Sex tape GAA player in US row
The GAA star who almost turned his back on the sport he loves because of sick sectarian taunts could now be banned from playing football in the United States after a bitter registration row exploded.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
By Ciaran Mcguigan
Darren Graham had hoped his trip to the States could lead to a new life away
from the bigots who threatened to destroy his Gaelic games career and the
former friends who circulated a stolen sex tape featuring the dad-of-one.
But before he even takes to the field in the US he has been rocked by
another row after a complaint to the North American County Board designed to
prevent him playing football in the States.
For the former Lisnaskea Emmets player - who has also represented his county
at hurling - has turned his back on the Philadelphia Shamrocks footballers
and decided instead to play for another club.
Ironically Graham, whose father Cecil and two uncles were all shot dead by
the IRA, has pledged to play for a Philadelphia club named after an executed
IRA man, the city's Kevin Barrys.
But his would-be managers at the Shamrocks have now asked that his
registration is blocked so that he's not allowed to play.
They're angry that they forked out almost US $$2,000 to secure a house for
Graham only for him to side with a rival team while they lose their deposit
money.
Brian Curran from the Shamrocks' management told Sunday Life: "We paid
out money for a deposit for somewhere for Darren and his girlfriend to live
over the summer and set up work for him.
"We're trying to get a team going here, giving lads the opportunity to
come out here and work and play. Darren's just walked away from that and
tried to join the Kevin Barrys club.
"But we have asked the NACB to rule that he can't play for Kevin
Barrys, as he can't move between two clubs more than once in a year."
Marty Gallagher, Kevin Barrys secretary, said that no money had been paid to
Graham to encourage him to play for them.
"Darren told the Shamrocks long before he came out he was not going to
able to play for them," added Mr Gallagher.
"We are a senior club and therefore a more adequate standard for a man
of Darren's ability."
Graham last night said: "If I'm stopped playing, then I'm stopped.
"I came out here to play football and hurling and get away from all
the s***."
Sunday Life tried to contact the NACB, but were unable to do so.
