Graham's story is one of remarkable tolerance, steeped as it is in the tragedy of the history of the North. His UDR father and two uncles were murdered by the IRA. Yet this did not put him off joining the most nationalist of organisations, his local GAA club, training hard in football and hurling and proving himself very capable in both.

That independence of spirit is now at breaking point. Last week, he walked off the pitch in protest at the sectarian abuse he was getting from opponents and their fans in a local match. Unless he gets a full apology and action is taken to penalise the opposing team and their fans, he will give up the sport he loves.

The GAA is not a sectarian organisation. It rightly points to the fact that former GAA president Jack Boothman was a Protestant and that the organisation has worked hard to bring itself in line with today's more tolerant society. In 2001, the ban on members of the security forces playing GAA was lifted and this year we have witnessed what many thought impossible . . . both rugby and soccer matches at Croke Park.

GAA president Nickey Brennan has condemned sectarian taunts and invited Graham to discuss his problems . . . but this is not enough. Teams . . . players, officials and fans . . . who stoop to sectarian or racist abuse need to be penalised heavily both in their pockets and by forfeiting results. Tough action like this has worked well to rid many of the English soccer clubs of racist elements both on and off the pitch. In the North too, where religious tribalism and bigotry marred many soccer matches, a zero-tolerance approach to sectarianism has improved the atmosphere considerably.

Support for people like Darren Graham, who step outside historical boundaries and try to forge a new and inclusive Ireland, needs to be strong and unconditional. It is worthwhile remembering that the club Graham plays for, the Lisnaskea Emmets, is named after another young Protestant, Robert Emmet.