The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has described as a "significant milestone" the first official attendance of a Democratic Unionist Party politician at a GAA match.
Mr Ahern welcomed the presence of the North's Sports Minister Edwin Poots at Wednesday's match between Down and Donegal at Pairc Esler in Newry.
He said: "I would hope it was not just a significant milestone for the peace process but a significant milestone for Edwin himself to see a Gaelic football match live." Mr Poots was officially welcomed to the McKenna Cup semi-final game by GAA president Nickey Brennan, director general Liam Mulvihill and Ulster Council president Tom Daly.
The invitation to attend a GAA game was accepted by the DUP Minister when he spoke at a GAA conference in October.
Mr Poots said he has received no criticism for his attendance at the game.