Speaking from his home in Lisnaskea this week, Darren Graham (25), the man at the centre of the media storm following last week's 'Fermanagh Herald' story, described the media reaction as, 'unreal'. However, he had no regrets at the stand that he had taken or for speaking out.
"It might make people think twice about calling anyone names, on or off the pitch. At the end of the day, it does get to people, including myself."
Asked why he hadn't made a formal complaint seven years ago, when he became a senior player and when sectarianism started, he responded quite simply: "I didn't think anyone would listen. The remarks weren't in the referee's report and if it isn't in the referee's report, it is going to be their word against mine.
"The other players on the team would often say to me, 'you should not have to listen to that sort of crap, and it was numerous clubs that were having a go. It would only be a handful of clubs that would not be at it."
Why, he was asked, did players pick on him in that way: "It was probably said to irritate me, to put me off my game but, at the end of the day, if they're going to stoop that low to win a game, what's the point of going out on the field?
"You say stuff on the field, and I'm no saint myself on a football or a hurling field but once it comes to family and sectarian abuse, then there's no need for that."
To date, he reported that he had a positive response from his work colleagues in the Clarke Group and from his club, Lisnaskea Emmetts.
"They're totally behind me. They're saying I was right to bring it up, to bring attention to what was going on. I've been getting texted messages and phone-calls from the club. I have been chatting to the club at various times and, yesterday (Sunday) I met them to put together an official complaint."
He revealed that he might have to give evidence to the County Executive, but he didn't mind doing that.
He said he was 100 per cent certain that the players who called him sectarian names knew exactly what they were saying, and he himself knew.
"I am not blaming all the clubs," he went on. "There are 15 players on each side and I get on well with three-quarters on any team. It's just certain individuals that I tend to get that sort of abuse from when we meet.
"OK, we tend to let out a few whelps, say, after scoring but when it comes to what this is, sectarianism and all that kind of stuff, it should not be allowed in the game."
There is no doubt that the player wants to get back playing, although he has put that on 'hold' till he sees how the Fermanagh County Board is going to address his complaint. If something is worked out, his return might not be far away.
"I would love to get back playing. The Senior Hurling Championship Final is at the end of the month (26th August) and I would love to be back playing in it. I am even getting pressure from the hurlers to get out and to keep training."
For the record, Rule 5.17 in the GAA refereeing manual specifies that, 'To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opponent, the referee should: (i) caution the offender; and, order off for second cautionable foul'.
Rule 5.10, which relates to striking, attempting to strike, interfering with, or using threatening or abusive language or conduct to a match official empowers the referee to order the offender off.
