Four-week suspension for Mayo GAA Chairman

Four week suspension for Mayo Chairman


GAA board officer reported after recent Qualifier defeat

Mike Finnerty

THE Chairman of the Mayo GAA Board, James Waldron, has received a four-week suspension from the GAA authorities in Croke Park after an incident following Mayo’s defeat to Longford in the All-Ireland SFC Qualifier last Saturday week.
The Mayo News understands that Mr Waldron was reported by Galway referee, Gearóid Ó ConomhΡ, for a Category 1A offence at Pearse Park.
This offence is defined as: “abusive language towards a referee, umpire, linesman or sideline official” and the suspension is “applicable at all codes and all levels” which means that the County Board Chairman will be prevented from performing any of his official GAA functions until midnight on Friday, July 23.
This means that Mr Waldron will be unable to chair any County Board meetings or Executive Board meetings for the coming weeks and it will also restrict his involvement with the Mayo minor football team for the Connacht championship final against Galway on July 18.
The Mayo News understands that the Mayo GAA Board vice-chairman, Paddy McNicholas, will take on the chairman’s responsibilities for the duration of Mr Waldron’s suspension.
Mayo defender Keith Higgins was also handed a four-week suspension by Gearóid Ó ConomhΡ after using “abusive language” during the course of Mayo’s defeat to Longford ten days ago.
Neither Waldron or Higgins are believed to have requested a hearing to appeal their suspensions.

MEANWHILE, the Mayo GAA coffers are to receive a welcome boost later this month when Roscommon take on Sligo in the Connacht SFC final at McHale Park, Castlebar on July 18 at 4pm.
The match is expected to generate approximately €40,000 to €50,000 for the Mayo GAA Board with a crowd of more than 20,000 expected to attend the novel finale. The Mayo minor footballers will take on Galway in the curtain-raiser at 2pm.
“We’re delighted that Sligo nominated McHale Park as their preferred ‘home’ ground for the final,” said Mayo GAA Board secretary SeΡn Feeney. “It’s a great boost for the stadium and it’s a great boost for our minors who will have home advantage too.”