GAA star’s warning after player is arrested
GAA legend Aidan O’Mahony has pleaded with players to remember that they are ‘role models’ after the identity of the Limerick hurler reportedly arrested after a public order incident last weekend was revealed on social media.
The incident, which took place hours after last Sunday’s Munster hurling clash between Limerick and Tipperary, was reported in the media on Tuesday night but yesterday the identity of both the Limerick player who was arrested and the Tipperary player involved were revealed online.
The Limerick player is reported to have been questioned at Henry Street Garda Station following an alleged altercation between several men in the pub but he was released without charge. A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The incident has rocked the AllIreland hurling champions, with the Limerick County Board issuing a brief statement late on Tuesday night stating: ‘The matter has been dealt with internally by management and no further comment on the matter will be made at this time.’
It’s understood that the Limerick hurler was told by management on Monday that he would no longer be considered part of the 26-man panel this year.
The hurler has been left ‘devastated’ by internal sanctions imposed, said a reliable source. Kerry’s five-time All-Ireland winner Mr O’Mahony insisted yesterday that the incident should serve as a reminder to high-profile GAA players that the strict rules of confidentiality that apply in the mainstream media do not extend to social media.
‘I was disappointed to see the player being named for their families and work colleagues’ sakes. Their names are being bradished about… a lot of people commenting on it before they know the ins and outs. Players are in the public eye constantly and they need to be aware of themselves. GAA is huge in this country and you’re a role model for people coming up along the line,’ Mr O’Mahony wrote on his Paddy Power blog yesterday.
No official complaint has been made to An Garda Síochána by the person who was allegedly injured in the incident at the weekend.