PSNI arrest man on suspicion of sexual assault after Armagh GAA ...

19 hours ago
Armagh GAA

“He is innocent of all charges and vows to do everything in his power to clear his name.”

The PSNI arrested a man on suspicion of sexual assault after a complaint was made to them following the Armagh All-Ireland winning team’s holiday to Miami.

A police spokesperson said the man has since been released pending further enquiries.

A group had gone to Miami in Florida in November to celebrate the team's All-Ireland win, their first All-Ireland title in 22 years after they clinched victory over Galway at Croke Park.

Over the weekend, the Sunday World reported that a complaint had been made by one of the members of the party following their return from the trip.

Today, the PSNI confirmed in a statement that they have questioned a man on suspicion of sexual assault.

“Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, on Tuesday 10th December,” a spokesperson said.

“He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Earlier, a solicitor firm released a statement confirming that an Armagh man had presented himself to the police in relation to an alleged incident during the team’s holiday.

In a statement released by solicitor Patrick Higgins from Donnelly and Wall Solicitors the lawyer confirmed: “My client voluntarily presented himself to the PSNI yesterday to be interviewed.

“He co-operated fully with the PSNI in the initial stages of the investigation.

“He is innocent of all charges and vows to do everything in his power to clear his name.”

The Miami Beach Police Department said they had not received any reports in relation to the incident.

“After conducting a thorough review of the limited information available, our records do not indicate that any incidents of sexual battery were reported at the Eden Roc Hotel during the period from November 13 to November 20,” said a spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the GAA has confirmed it is responding to the reported incident.

"We are aware of a reported incident and are responding to serious allegations,” said a spokesperson.

"We can confirm Armagh GAA is continuing to respond to this matter in collaboration with Ulster GAA, the GAA at Central Level and the PSNI.

"Out of respect for those involved and ongoing police enquiries, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

Over the weekend the Sunday World revealed that the PSNI are investigating a complaint made by one of the near-100 strong party who travelled to Florida. It included around 30 players, the management team, family members and other senior figures from the Armagh County Board.

The five-star Eden Roc hotel in Miami

The PSNI confirmed to this paper they had received a complaint and they had launched an investigation.

“A report was made to the Police Service of Northern Ireland regarding an incident which is believed to have occurred in the United States in November. Enquiries are currently being carried out and no further details are available at present,” a PSNI spokesperson told the Sunday World.

The trip, which reportedly cost around £3,000 per head, was funded by the GAA in Croke Park and by fundraising carried out by the clubs within the county.

The group stayed in the luxury five-star Eden Roc Miami Beach resort where rooms start at around £400 per night.

Having flown out from Dublin to Miami on Wednesday November 13 in a celebratory mood, the party arrived back in Dublin a week later on November 20 with a cloud hanging over it.

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Overlooking the world-renowned Miami Beach on prestigious Millionaire’s Row, the Eden Roc Miami Beach is famous for hosting Hollywood greats like Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.

According to their website, the Eden Roc boasts “bright, spacious guest rooms with big balconies put you at the edge of the sea with direct ocean views.

“Three sparkling beachfront pools and an exclusive strip of beach invite you to let loose in a relaxed, fun, tropical setting. With vibrant nightlife and world-famous cultural attractions just minutes away, there’s a little bit of everything for everybody here at Eden Roc.”

During the holiday, those on the trip took in a college football match and a basketball game in between soaking up the sunshine.

However, following the party’s return, a complaint was made to the PSNI which has cast a huge shadow over what has been one of the county’s most successful years, having defeated Galway by a point in the All-Ireland final.

The county received around £100,000 from GAA headquarters at Croke Park to go specifically towards the end-of-season holiday, which happens every year to the All-Ireland winners.

The county asked the clubs throughout Armagh to raise at least £2,000 to go into the fund to make up the difference and to provide money for expenses on the trip.

Armagh start their senior football campaign on January 25 with a trip to Salthill to face their All-Ireland final opponents Galway in the Allianz National Football League.

They won the All-Ireland when nobody gave them much of a chance at the start of the year and after ten years in charge there were concerns manager Kieran McGeeney had taken them as far as they could go.

But he proved the doubters wrong in spectacular fashion as he produced a team that may have lacked in style but didn’t lack in organisation and effort.

The team celebrated wildly and players have travelled the length and breadth of the county to show off the famous Sam Maguire trophy.

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