Sinn Féin Newtownabbey Councillor Gerry O'Reilly has called on loyalists to remove a stolen GAA banner from a bonfire and return it to its owners.

The bonfire close to the Boyne Bridge in South Belfast is set to be torched as part of the Twelfth of July celebration this weekend and Cllr O'Reilly has called on local politicians and community leaders to intervene and return the banner to St Enda's / Naomh Eanna GAC.

Dubbed the 'most attacked sports club in Ireland' during the Troubles, St. Enda's was founded in 1956 and has since grown into the biggest GAA club in North Belfast.

"The theft of this banner which celebrated St Enda's GAC youth competition is bad enough given the excellent work they carry out in the Glengormley community," Cllr O'Reilly said.

"The banner has now appeared on the bonfire being built close to the Boyne Bridge on Sandy Row.

"This is completely unacceptable. Where is the tolerance and respect in the theft and burning of a GAA banner. This and the burning of election posters and the Irish flag is a hate crime.

"I will be reporting this to the PSNI and would urge local community leaders and politicians to intervene and return this banner to St Enda's GAC." Tweet

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