Treasurer of Clare GAA Michael Gallagher has apologised for the comments he made at last week’s board meeting relating to the raising of €4,000 by Eire Óg’s Niall O’Connor.
The retired Garda questioned the motives behind the move, and queried if the money was raised to provide meals to the Clare U20 hurlers or to embarrass the board.
In a statement, the Doonbeg man apologised for the remarks, with O’Connor accepting the apology in a “spirit of reconciliation and for the greater good of Clare GAA”.
O’Connor also conceded that it would have been appropriate to involve the treasurer in any fundraising activities, with both parties agreeing that the matter was now closed.
The full statement can be seen below
The following email has been received from Michael Gallagher, Treasurer of Clare Co. Board GAA:
“Paddy, A Chara
In response to your letter re. my comments directed at Niall O’Connor at last Monday nights (24/05) Co Board Meeting, 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.
As you know, I have enjoyed a long and friendly relationship with your Club, for nearly 20 years, through our joint promotion of an underage football tournament (which is dear to my heart). I don’t wish to see anything divert us from maintaining and furthering those friendships.
Regards
Michael”
Éire Óg Statement on behalf of Niall O’Connor
Niall O’ Connor welcomes the apology from Michael Gallagher and accepts it in a spirit of reconciliation and for the greater good of Clare GAA. 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.
