Our concerns about the incident in Portadown on 8 June last were conveyed at an early stage to the British authorities through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
In their response, the British authorities have confirmed that a number of buses were stoned that evening whilst travelling through Portadown from a GAA match in Belfast. The police state that they were unable to take the necessary action to prevent this incident occurring as they were unaware of the route supporters would be taking or numbers involved. They further state that, in the past, they have had communication with local GAA representatives when large numbers of supporters were known to be travelling, especially at contentious times, and that buses would normally use alternative routes, especially when the details of large games are well known.
Following a meeting between the police and local GAA officials, it has been agreed that in future, when advance notice is given to police of GAA supporters travelling via this route in convoy from the Monaghan area, then the police will assist. Alternative routes to prevent a reoccurrence were also discussed at the meeting.
