Kelly quit Donegal because he felt unwelcome

FORMER Donegal GAA treasurer Cieran Kelly has outlined his reasons for stepping down from the position last month, suggesting he wasn’t welcome on a fundraising committee set up by the board.

Kelly’s position has since been filled by Alan Boyd, who was successful after the board drew lots when Boyd and Brendan Kelly finished level in an election to fill the position with 33 votes each.

However, Cieran Kelly claims he left the position midway through his last year after being told by the Donegal chairman Mick McGrath that he “wasn’t welcome” on a fundraising committee.

“I stepped down because I felt the role of treasurer was being pushed to one side and, out of respect for the role of a volunteer officer of the GAA, I felt it best that I should stand aside,” Kelly said.

“I was told by the chairman that the treasurer wasn’t welcome at fundraising meetings in the future. I felt the treasurer of a county committee should be part of any committee and should have oversight on all income and expenditure.

“I felt it was disrespectful to a volunteer role to be told that the treasurer wasn’t welcome on such a committee and that’s why I felt I had no option but to stand down.

“I sent a message to the executive committee of Donegal GAA (via Whatsapp) outlining the reasons behind my decision which was followed up by correspondence to the County Secretary confirming the resignation.”

When contacted for a comment on the matter, McGrath said the Board would not be responding to Kelly’s claim.