The campaign committee along with friends headed off to Clones in Co. Monaghan today in order to highlight the campaign.  The first round match of the Ulster senior football championship between Armagh and Tyrone offered the campaign committee the opportunity to speak to thousands of GAA supporters.

 

Leaflets outlining Colin's long history of persecution by the British state were handed out to supporters of the Armagh and Tyrone county teams as they made their way into the ground.

 

The old rivialary between both sets of supporters was not evident as they engaged with the campaigners on the issue of Colin's detention.  One of the campaign committee members said:  "I know Colin is a avid supporter of the Armagh team, having travelled to many championship matches both in Croake park and here in Clones.   However, I know Colin would be the first to appreciate the support of not only the Armagh followers but that of the Tyrone supporters also." 

 

Breandán Mac Cionnaith, who was there for the match, helped members of the campaign committee hand out leaflets to the crowd.

 

                  

                                                   Barry McIIduff pictured with Colin in 1996 following his release.

 

 

Barry McIlduff from Sinn Féin, who was also there for the match, spoke to Colin's brother Damian.  Ironically, Barry was an active member of the previous Friends of Colin Duffy committee when Colin was imprisoned in 1993.  Damian pressed Barry on his and his party's current position in relation to Colin's present detention.