GAA president Jarlath Burns has called for all counties to support an upcoming peaceful demonstration in Belfast calling for work to begin on the upgrade of the A5 road.
The road, running from Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone to Co Derry, is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Northern Ireland and has been dubbed "one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland." Since 2006, 57 people have lost their lives along the route.
The Northern Ireland Executive gave the green light for the long-awaited upgrade to the A5 in October 2024, and work to turn the road into a dual carriageway was set to get underway on the Strabane to Ballygawley stretch early this year.
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However, in November works were delayed as a legal challenge was brought against Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure from nine applicants who are opposed to the dual carriageway scheme.
The case is due to be heard at Belfast High Court on Tuesday, March 18, with a peaceful demonstration held outside the court from 9am to 10am, organised by the A5 Enough is Enough group. In an open letter, GAA president Jarlath Burns has urged all counties across the island of Ireland to support the demonstration and campaign.
He said: "This campaign is not simply about upgrading a road—it is about protecting lives. Since 2006, 57 people have tragically lost their lives on the A5, leaving behind families and communities forever changed by grief. Among them was Caolán Devlin, who died in March 2024.
"His brother, Niall, who captained Tyrone to All-Ireland Under-20 success, is just one of many who have endured unimaginable loss. Likewise, Michael Rafferty, captain of the 2024 victorious Tyrone team, lost his brother John in a devastating crash on this road in October 2022.
"These young men, both leaders on the field, carry private heartache that should never have been theirs to bear. These sad stories are chapters in a tragic narrative which has weaved its way through the geography and history of this part of Ulster."
Mr Burns said the dangers of the road are a "daily reality" for those travelling along it daily. Plans to upgrade the road to a dual carriageway in a bid to ease congestion and improve the road's safety were first announced in 2007.
He added: "For those of us who travel the A5 occasionally, its dangers are stark. But for the people of Tyrone, this road is a daily reality—a reality that has already claimed too many lives. It is indefensible that, after decades of promises and delays, families are still being robbed of loved ones due to inaction.
"Tyrone GAA has been a powerful and principled voice in this campaign, embodying the GAA’s core values of community, solidarity, and player welfare, both on and off the field. I commend their leadership, and I call on every county to show support by raising awareness of this campaign on social media and encouraging attendance at the demonstration.
"Tuesday, 18th March, is an opportunity for the GAA community to stand together, to honour those we have lost, and to demand action before more lives are needlessly taken. I encourage as many people as possible to attend and to send a clear, united message: enough is enough. This project must proceed without further delay.
"Please help amplify this urgent appeal. Together, we can be a voice for change and help ensure that no more families suffer the devastation of losing a loved one on this road."
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