MAYO GAA CLUB Castlebar Mitchels have sent a 'Reported Allegation of Abuse Form' to the Mayo County Board, Connacht GAA, Croke Park, and TUSLA. The club 'believe that there were reasonable grounds for concern relating to child abuse' at a recent Under-17 club fixture
Mitchels recent game against rivals Westport was called off after an adult entered the field of play.
Mayo’s Competition Controls Committee awarded the game to Castlebar following an investigation.
The person alleged to have committed the act was handed the GAA's 96-week ban, and Westport were removed from the U-17 'A' football championship, but after an appeal to Appeals Hearing Mayo GAA, the ban was reduced to two games and Westport were allowed back in the same competition.
Castlebar posted a long message on their Facebook page, saying they were disappointed with the decision. The club also believe reasonable grounds for concern relating to child abuse'.
"Following an incident at a recent U17 Club football semi-final, Castlebar Mitchels believe that there were reasonable grounds for concern relating to child abuse. Castlebar Mitchels prepared a ‘Reported Allegation of Abuse Form’, and this has been submitted to the Mayo County Board, Connacht GAA, Croke Park and TUSLA," started the statement.
"Following on from the abandoned game Castlebar Mitchels were fined €250 for failure to apply for permission to video the game. The fine was not appealed and has since been paid. Mayo County Board CCC fined Westport €1000, the Westport official who entered the field received a 96 week ban and the club was removed from the competition. Westport appealed this decision to the Appeals Hearing Mayo GAA and following on from the appeal it was announced that they have been reinstated to the competition and the 96-week ban has been reduced to 2 games
The club have asked Mayo GAA to not resume the Under 17A Championship until all investigations are finished. They also thanked players and staff, players, and fans for being patient during the ongoing process.
"Castlebar Mitchels is very disappointed with the recent appeal findings and believe that this is not in keeping with the best interests of child-welfare. The club has requested that Mayo GAA does not resume the Under 17A Championship until all investigations are completed."
The club also requests that Croke Park and the County Board review their current processes and regulations so that they adequately protect underage players and that if an incident like this happens again that it is harshly dealt with.
Castlebar Mitchels would like to compliment the management and players of our under 17 team for their patience and forbearance while this issue is being resolved. We would also like to thank the parents and to acknowledge the support from the wider community, in the face of untrue and hostile commentary on social media.
