Millionaire benefactor seeks 'amicable agreement' with Mayo GAA

The millionaire benefactor to Mayo GAA has tonight apologised for the negativity and bad publicity created over the last few weeks.

In an open letter to all supporters of the game in the county, Tim O'Leary, head of the Mayo GAA International Supporters Club, said he strongly felt that it was a price worth paying 'if we were going to get change at the top table.'

He elaborated: “Local GAA politics are extremely complicated and sensitive, especially in Mayo, and though some will disagree, I believed that the easiest way to share my concerns and point of view was via local/national media, WhatsApp and social media outlets.

“Some of my concerns/issues about transparency and governance apply not just to Mayo but to the wider GAA community and I hope Tom Ryan and his colleagues at Croke Park don't continue to turn a blind eye.

“I put on record that I have no desire to have a place on the Mayo County Board executive. I am confident the fresh approach by Liam Moffatt as chairman offers Mayo GAA stability and the greatest chance of success in the long term.

“I will be engaging with Liam at the earliest possible opportunity with the aim to come to an amicable agreement on all the key outstanding matters before the season commences. The foundation will also consider offering Liam a place on its board and invite him to become a trustee."

“Transparency and governance should be the pillars of Mayo GAA and when we get our house in order, success will surely follow on the pitch, given the incredible playing pool within the county.”

In his letter he also congratulated the new members to the county board on their appointment and wish them all the success in their privileged positions as guardians of Mayo GAA.

He thanked outgoing chairman Michael Connolly and other departing members of the county board for their hard work over the last few years.

“They are volunteers first and foremost who oversaw a period of relative great success for our county on the pitch during a very challenging and constantly-evolving period off the pitch. However, it was time for change.

“Sunday, December 15, 2019, will surely be one of the most important days in Mayo GAA history and hopefully the starting point for great days in the future of our fine county.

rder, success will surely follow on the pitch, given the incredible playing pool within the county,” he added.