Castlebar Mitchels hit out at Mayo GAA and submit child abuse allegation to TUSLA following incident at U17 game

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CASTLEBAR MITCHELS have hit out at Mayo GAA and submitted a child abuse allegation to TUSLA following an incident at an U17 game.

The issue stems from an alleged confrontation during a minor football semi-final between Castlebar and Westport.

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Castlebar Mitchels have hit out at Mayo GAA and submitted a child abuse allegation to TUSLA following an incident at an U17 game.Credit: Sportsfile

An adult was accused of entering the field of play and confronting a player.

The adult was subsequently given the maximum ban of 96 weeks.

Meanwhile, Castlebar were fined 250 for failure to apply for permission to video the game.

Castlebar paid the fine, while following an appeal, the suspension was reduced to two games.

In a scathing statement on social media, Castlebar Mitchels revealed that they had submitted a complaint to TUSLA, Mayo and Connacht GAA, and Croke Park.

They said: “Following an incident at a recent U17 Club football semi-final, Castlebar Mitchels believe that there were reasonable grounds for concern relating to child abuse.

“Castlebar Mitchels prepared a Reported Allegation of Abuse Form and this has been submitted to the Mayo County Board, Connacht GAA, Croke Park and TUSLA.

They added: “Castlebar Mitchels is very disappointed with the recent appeal findings and believe that this is not in keeping with the best interests of child-welfare.

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“The club has requested that Mayo GAA does not resume the Under 17A Championship until all investigations are completed.

“The club also requests that Croke Park and the County Board review their current processes and regulations so that they adequately protect underage players and that if an incident like this happens again that it is harshly dealt with.

“Castlebar Mitchels would like to compliment the management and players of our under 17 team for their patience and forbearance while this issue is being resolved.

“We would also like to thank the parents and to acknowledge the support from the wider community, in the face of untrue and hostile commentary on social media.”

UGLY SCENES

The above comes amid a spate of ugly incidents at GAA matches in recent months.

Guardian and the GAAs Munster Council have launched probes into an alleged assault on an Under-9 player at a childrens sports event in Thurles, CoTipperary, over the weekend.

The alleged victim, who did not require medical attention, was one of dozens of kids involved in a Munster GAA under agehurlingblitz at Dr Morris Park in Thurles on Saturday.

Its understood a man entered the pitch and grabbed the boy by the throat during the competition shortly after 1pm on Saturday.

It follows other high-profile violent incidents at GAA events, including anassault on a referee at a club match in Ballyforan, Co Roscommon in August.

Roscommon GAA’s Competitions Control Committee launched an investigation into the incident in the aftermath.

At a special meeting of the Rossies’ CCC, a huge ban of 96-weeks – equating to just short of two years – was proposed.

WEX SORT IT OUT

A similar ban was dished out by Wexford GAA to the individual accused of assaulting a referee during a match.

Michael Lannigan was allegedly attacked following the Junior ‘A’ football match between St. Joseph’s and Our Lady’s Islandon Sunday, September 25.

The alleged attack is said to have taken place at the end of the game, which St Joseph’s lost 1-11 to 1-10 to leave them in a relegation play-off.

Following an investigation, Wexford GAA have suspended the St. Joseph’s member involved for the maximum of 96-weeks.

The member has also been banned from attending games at Whiterock Hill, where the alleged assault took place.

Wexford GAA have also found the club 1,000.

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