THE MAYO LADIES county board has released a statement offering its ‘full support’ to the management and remaining squad members after at least 10 players left the panel ahead of their TG4 All-Ireland senior championship clash with Cavan next Saturday.
It also says that they are continuing ‘to work with all parties to find an amicable resolution’ while the team named for the All-Ireland qualifier contains five changes from the side that started the Connacht final.
Team captain Sarah Tierney, vice-captain Fiona McHale and all-time leading scorer Cora Staunton were among the players who departed earlier this week, citing ‘player welfare issues that are personal and sensitive to the players involved’ in a statement released through the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA).
Team selector Michael McHale from Carnacon (Fiona’s father) has also stepped away from the panel and Midwest Radio Sport has reported the departure of two other players along with another team selector.
Meanwhile, The42 understands that Mayo have added one minor and two U20 players to the senior squad.
Two more players and a selector have left the Mayo LGFA set up Midwest Radio Sport understands.
— Midwest Radio Sport (@MWRSport) July 11, 2018
The Mayo ladies county board has since released a statement acknowledging the importance of player welfare issues as well as offering its full support to the senior management team.
It also refers to ‘media speculation about unspecified ‘personal and sensitive’ issues.’
The statement in full reads:
“The Executive Board of Mayo LGFA is acutely aware of the critical importance of player welfare. Player well-being is fundamental to all coaching and management structures.
“A comprehensive programme is in place to ensure that all Mayo players can train and perform in a safe and supportive environment and all necessary resources have been made available to enable the Mayo senior ladies compete with the very best in the country.
“In the light of media speculation about unspecified ‘personal and sensitive’ issues, the board feels it important to state that the senior management team has adhered to all protocols and guidelines set out at the beginning of their tenure.
The board has made players and management aware that they have our full support going forward and we will continue to work with all parties to find an amicable resolution.
“Finally, we would call on all Mayo fans to come out and support the team in Saturday’s TG4 All-Ireland Qualifier against Cavan and for the remainder of the season.”
Manager Peter Leahy said earlier this week that he is determined to lead his side into their All-Ireland qualifier at the weekend and said that he will divulge ‘the facts’ of the situation after the clash with Cavan.
Among the changes in the side that is named to start against Cavan are Nicola O’Malley (Westport), Noirin Moran (Westport), Dayna Finn (Kiltimagh) and Sarah Mulvihill (Knockmore).
They come into the side to replace Sarah Tierney, Doireann Hughes, Fiona McHale and Cora Staunton.
Five of the starting team who lined out in last year’s TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior final are named to start on Saturday in Clones [Throw-in, 2.15]. Aileen Gilroy is named among the substitutes.
Mayo starting XV to play Cavan
1. Sorcha Murphy (Cill Chomain)
2. Emma Lowther (Knockmore)
3. Nicola O Malley (Westport)
4. Danielle Caldwell (Castlebar Mitchels)
5. Rachel Kearns (CL McHale Rovers)
6. Clodagh McManamon (Burrishoole)
7. Kathryn Sullivan (Castlebar Mitchels)
8. Norin Moran (Westport)
9. Dayna Finn (Kiltimagh)
10. Sarah Mulvihill (Knockmore)
11. Fiona Doherty (Moy Davitts)
12. Sinead Cafferky (Kilmovee Shamrocks)
13. Niamh Kelly (Moy Davitts)
14. Sarah Rowe (Kilmoremoy)
15. Grace Kelly (Moy Davitts)
Subs:
16. Aishling Tarpey (Foxrock Cabinteely)
17. Rebecca O Malley (Westport)
18. Roisin Flynn (Knockmore)
19. Tamara O’Connor (Cill Chomain)
20. Emma Needham (Louisburgh)
21. Aileen Gilroy (St. Brigids)
22. Saoirse Ludden (Westport)
23. Feena Mc Manamon (Burrishoole)
24. Leona Ryder (Burrishoole)
25. Roisin Kelly (Kilmoremoy)
26. Marie Reilly (Cill Chomain)
27 Roisin Durkan (Swinford)
28. Ann Sheridan (Burrishoole)
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