Before Derry's league win over Tyrone last Sunday, Peter Canavan spoke at a gathering at Free Derry Corner in support of the families of Sean Brown and Patsy Kelly.
Brown was a GAA official who was murdered by the LVF in 1997, after being abducted at the grounds of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAC in Derry.
Patsy Kelly was a councillor from Tyrone who was abducted and shot in 1974.
Inquests into their deaths have been threatened by the Legacy Act, which was passed in Parliament in an effort to halt inquests, civil cases and criminal prosecutions for crimes during The Troubles.
Peter Canavan Delivers Rousing Speech In Front Of Derry & Tyrone Families
Canavan's impressive speech - in front of people from both Derry and Tyrone - spoke on the importance of unity between the two communities, in their quest for justice:
Time is running out. The time is now to take action.
Back in the 70s, 80s, go back to '74 and '97, they were dark times in our history. But since then, the GAA as an organisation has flourished.
It has been responsible for enriching the lives of so many people. It has gone from strength to strength...
READ HERE: 'The GAA Would Need To Be Very Wary About Bringing In The TMO' - Peter Canavan
WATCH: Tyrone GAA legend Peter Canavan's powerful words at Sunday's event at Free Derry Corner in support of the families of Sean Brown, Patsy Kelly & all families affected by the Legacy Act.@TyroneGAALive @Doiregaa @PFahySolicitors @KRWLaw @FinucaneCentre pic.twitter.com/jAnKKjWX4Y
— Patrick Kelly (@paddyjkelly) February 7, 2024
"What two clubs embody that sense of unity than Bellaghy and Trillick," Canavan continued.
"Two clubs rich in history, and when it comes to their youth, their underage, the way they go about their business. It is a strength of purpose and a very strong sense of identity in the two clubs.
"Why is that? It's down to people like Patsy Kelly, like Seán Brown, that devoted so much of their lives for the betterment of others. And their only crime was that they served their community too well.
"Finally, today there's a football match on, and believe it or not, the outcome of that is not the most important, there's a bigger prize at stake today.
"And hopefully when you see the display of unity by Tyrone and Derry gaels here today, that will lead to truth and justice..."
SEE ALSO: Pat Spillane Reveals He Still Has Not Received His Signed Dublin Jersey
