Mayo GAA Chairman to step down

Mayo GAA Chairman to step down

Edwin McGreal
Castlebar

MAYO GAA Board Chairman Paddy McNicholas is to step down from his position at December’s County Convention.
McNicholas told last night’s (Thursday) meeting of the Mayo County Board that he will be stepping down and seeking a nomination for a vacancy as one of Mayo’s delegates to the Connacht GAA Council.
The Kiltimagh native has been criticised for his handling of the Mayo senior team management appointment process.
Two members of the Mayo GAA Executive, Gerry Bourke and Michael Diskin, have resigned over the poor handling of the situation with Mr Bourke describing what had happened as ‘a sham’.
Paddy McNicholas stayed on as Chairman after a County Board meeting last month, but last night declared he will step aside at Convention, which will take place in his home town of Kiltimagh on Sunday, December 7.
Paying tribute to Mr McNicholas at last night’s meeting, Kiltimagh GAA Club Treasurer Seamus Corry took issue with some of comments that had been made about the outgoing Chairman, especially on social media.
“There is a big difference between criticism and what we would describe as the abuse that you, Paddy, or anyone else in this room or anyone involved at Mayo GAA level does not deserve,” said Mr Corry.
“In relation to the abuse, I know it has been particularly difficult for you and your family with what we would describe as the vile abuse on social media, in some cases we feel orchestrated by individuals who we are not quite sure what agenda they were following. We just feel that wasn’t fair.
“I think anybody here who knows Paddy McNicholas knows he’s an honest, straight talking man … Some of the accusations that you are lacking integrity or being dishonest are nothing but despicable,” added Mr Corry.
The Mayo News understands that Mayo GAA Board Vice Chairman, Mike Connelly, now looks set to replace McNicholas at next month’s County Convention.

Read the full story in Tuesday’s The Mayo News.