Mayo LGFA issue statement ‘in light of media speculation’

Mike Finnerty

THE ongoing Mayo ladies football saga took another twist today (Thursday) with the Executive Board of Mayo LGFA releasing a statement stating that they have ‘made players and management aware that they have our full support going forward’.
The statement also says that Mayo LGFA ‘will continue to work with all parties to find an amicable resolution’ to a row that has made local and national headlines in recent days.
As exclusively revealed by The Mayo News on Tuesday, at least ten members of the Mayo ladies senior squad — including captain Sarah Tierney, vice-captain Fiona McHale and four-time All-Ireland winner Cora Staunton — left the panel last week.
In a short statement on Tuesday evening, the players in question released a statement via the Women's Gaelic Players' Association (WGPA) citing ‘player welfare issues that are personal and sensitive’ as the reason behind their decision to leave the panel.
“Out of respect to the girls playing at the weekend and ourselves, we will not be commenting further. We wish the Mayo team well with their game on Saturday” the statement added.
However, this morning (Thursday), the Executive Board of Mayo LGFA have responded ‘in light of media speculation’ and say that they are ‘acutely aware of the critical importance of player welfare’.
“The Executive Board of Mayo LGFA is acutely aware of the critical importance of player welfare” read the statement which was issued to The Mayo News.
“Player wellbeing is fundamental to all coaching and management structures.
“A comprehensive programme is in place to ensure that all Mayo players can train and perform in a safe and supportive environment and all necessary resources have been made available to enable the Mayo Senior Ladies compete with the very best in the country.
“In the light of media speculation about unspecified 'personal and sensitive' issues, the Board feels its important to state that the senior management team has adhered to all protocols and guidelines set out at the beginning of their tenure.
“The Board has made players and management aware that they have our full support going forward and we will continue to work with all parties to find an amicable resolution.
“Finally, we would call on all Mayo fans to come out and support the team in Saturday's TG4 All-Ireland Qualifier against Cavan and for the remainder of the season.”

Mayo team named
MEANWHILE, Mayo ladies senior manager Peter Leahy has been forced to make five changes to the team that lost to Galway in the Connacht Final for Saturday’s Qualifier clash with Cavan, writes Ger Flanagan.
Sorcha Murphy replaces Aisling Tarpey in goal, while Nicole O'Malley, Noirin Moran, Dayna Finn and Sarah Mulvihill come into the starting team instead of Sarah Tierney, Doireann Hughes, Fiona McHale and Cora Staunton.
Team captain Aileen Gilroy is named among the substitutes after missing the Connacht final due to injury.
Mayo will face Cavan this Saturday in St Tiernach's Park, Clones at 2.15pm.

Mayo
Sorcha Murphy; Emma Lowther, Nicola O'Malley, Danielle Caldwell; Rachel Kearns, Clodagh McManamon, Kathryn O'Sullivan; Noirin Moran, Dayna Finn; Sarah Mulvihill, Fiona Doherty, Sinead Cafferky, Niamh Kelly, Sarah Rowe, Grace Kelly.