Chief Executive Officer of Sport NI Antoinette McKeown said,
“Violent and brutal acts such as these are to be condemned in any circumstances, however to target a sporting coach in front of young people is simply abhorrent.
“Sport would not exist without volunteers, and we value the diversity and contribution of every person who gives their time to enrich lives through sport. Sport is a powerful means of uniting people and we deplore this mindless attack on a valued member of our sporting community.
“We know the entire sporting community will be united in solidarity, and our thoughts are with the officer, and his family and colleagues at this difficult time.”