*The Clare minor footballers who reached the 2020 Munster final. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
Club delegates in Clare have appealed for followers of the county to adopt a less ‘negative approach’ on social media.
Clonbony’s Sean Malone commended the contribution of assistant secretary Anne Hayes during the February meeting of the Clare County Board where she called out individuals who were fist pumping, laughing and raising their hand aloft in the midst of a debate earlier in the virtual gathering. He said her comments removed “the hostility”.
Malone welcomed the passing of Éire Óg’s proposal seeking an independent review and development of a five year strategic plan as “brilliant and refreshing after all the negativity”. He also praised Kilmurry Ibrickane’s John Brew who earlier in the meeting emphasised “tonight’s meeting you’re looking at where things should be discussed, not on social media, not on hearsay or behind no names. It is time that all this abuse by people with no names is put to bed”.
Speaking at the meeting, the Clonbony representative singled out county secretary Pat Fitzgerald for his “immense contribution” to Clare GAA and to assisting the West Clare club by “providing a level playing pitch for us all”. He added, “I hope we can clear the air, I have seen a family back West destroyed by social media, let’s look after each other and make the Banner County what it should be”.
Similar sentiments were voiced by Munster Council delegate, Bernard Keane. “I’m delighted the Éire Óg motion passed unanimously without rancour, now let’s put an end to the nonsense on social media”.
Sixmilebridge delegate Christy Murray believed it was time “to get behind our top table” as he called for greater support for the County Executive. “There’s more things going on in the paper and not one bit of proof, you wouldn’t get on Judge Judy with the shit that is going on in the papers, it is not fair that our officers are getting stick, stop the gowling about it. I’m giving up reading the papers”.
Chairman of St Josephs Miltown, Frank Minogue stated that it was time for a more cohesive approach for all parties connected to Clare GAA. “There has been a lot of negative commentary on social media, it is time the clubs in Clare work together and we remember we’re all here for a common goal and that is the betterment of Clare GAA”.
