Protesters disrupted the GAA annual congress at Croke Park on Saturday by calling for the organisation to sever its sponsorship with Allianz. Former Tyrone captain Peter Canavan took part in the demonstration outside the venue. The group opposes the 30-year partnership following a UN special rapporteur's report last year linking the company to activities in Gaza.

Canavan stated the GAA avoided discussing the sponsorship at congress despite its importance to members. He argued the association deferred the matter to its ethics and integrity commission instead of deciding directly. In December the GAA chose to retain the deal after the commission's review. The sponsorship did not appear among the 25 motions debated on the second day.

Protesters entered the congress floor where GAA president Jarlath Burns, from Armagh, spoke with them and requested they leave. Burns paused proceedings for lunch before resuming after 14:00 GMT. He later remarked the protesters overstepped boundaries and drew on his experiences from the Troubles in Silverbridge, where a UVF unit attacked a bar 50 years ago and killed his friend.

Canavan described Burns' reference to past events as unexpected. He noted the GAA provided community support during the Troubles for many in Northern Ireland. On Friday GAA director general Tom Ryan said the organisation focuses on its community role and leaves global issues to expert bodies.

Tyrone and Armagh, both in Northern Ireland, have strong GAA traditions. The association promotes Gaelic games across Ireland amid historical community divides.