Clubs unite to combat drugs

St Peter’s hosted a presentation highlighting the dangers of drugs and alcohol in the club’s new hall last week.

Hundreds of underage players from the Clann Eireann, Clan na nGael, St Paul’s and St Peter’s clubs attended the event.

Theresa Burke, whose son died after overdosing on Methadrone, showed the crowd shocking video footage of 22-year-old Kealen's deterioration after he took the drug in 2007.

The drug left him paralysed, blind and unable to swallow.

He spent six months in hospital and another year in a care home before septicaemia from a urinary infection killed him on February 25, 2009.

Mrs Burke said: “The thought that any other young person might go through what Kealen went through scares me. I want to show these young people the reality of drugs. They aren't glamourous and they aren't cool. In the end they will kill you, that's the reality.

"Kealan suffered terribly before he died and I want them to see just how awful it was.”

She added: "I hope that will mean any young person thinking of taking drugs will think again, and that anyone who is already taking them will seek help immediately."

The initiative was part of the Drugs & Substance Misuse Strategy that brings together the town’s four GAA clubs who are working in partnership with Opportunity Youth.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte was due to address the meeting, but was unable to do so due to a family bereavement.

However, Armagh football legend Jimmy Smith spoke to the crowd.

He said: “I know of many wonderful footballers who destroyed their sporting careers as a result of drink.

“Last week the St Peter’s minor team narrowly lost in the county semi-final. I bet if they won the championship they would experience no better buzz. Get your buzz out on the football field, not in some alleyway.”

Jimmy Magee of St Peter’s said the GAA has a vital role to play in combating drug use.

He said: “Events like this one show that the GAA is more than just a sporting organisation. We are at the heart of the community.

“On the issue of drugs, we are trying to be proactive. For us, doing nothing is not an option. We want to put an end to it before the problem gets totally out of control.”