Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns has written an open letter regarding the A5 WTC project, and the upcoming A5 Enough is Enough peaceful demonstration.
A chara,
I write to you today with a deep sense of urgency and solidarity, lending my full support to the A5 Enough is Enough campaign and urging all GAA counties, particularly in Ulster, to help promote the upcoming peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, 18th March at 9:00 AM outside the High Court in Belfast.
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.
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.
Le meas,Jarlath Burns
Uachtarán CLG
The A5 Enough is Enough Support Demonstration will take place on Tuesday 18th March at Belfast High Court. Please assemble at 9am, ends 10am.
High Court
Chichester St,
Belfast BT1 3JF
