Clare GAA Treasurer, Michael Gallagher has issued an apology for comments made at last Monday’s heated meeting of the County Board.

Tensions reached boiling point at the May meeting of the Clare County Board with a raft of delegates and Clare GAA Vice Chairperson Kieran Keating leading the call for Gallagher to retract comments made about Éire Óg’s Niall O’Connor.

Praise was first extended to O’Connor by the Treasurer for raising funds which have been used to give the U20 hurlers post-training nutrition. Rory Hickey of the Ennis club told the meeting that €4000 was raised in four hours.

Gallagher acknowledged the efforts of O’Connor but questioned the motivations and not making contact before raising the funds. Past events involving the son of ex Clare joint manager Gerry O’Connor were also referenced by the ex Garda. This drew criticism from a host of delegates including those from Kilmaley, Clarecastle and Éire Óg. 

On Sunday evening, Éire Óg released a statement which confirmed that the Treasurer had make contact to apologise. “I would like to say, on reflection, I can see how my comments were hurtful and embarrassing to Niall and, I wish to offer my apologies directly to Niall for those comments. I don’t intend to try to explain or offer excuses for making those comments, because I don’t think that would be helpful either,” Gallagher said in correspondence to the club.

In a statement on O’Connor’s behalf, Éire Óg noted that the apology was welcomed and accepted. “Niall also wishes to acknowledge that, in hindsight, it would have been appropriate that the Co. Treasurer was involved in any fundraising initiatives. In view of the above, we now consider this matter closed and we wish to move on in a spirit of harmony, for the betterment of Clare GAA”.

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If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

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