WEXFORD GAA CHIEFS have revealed that the official at the centre of the second incident of alleged racist abuse that is currently being investigated by the county’s CCCC, has resigned his position within GAA in the Model County.
In the wake of the controversy that erupted when Lee Chin, who is in line to feature for Jason Ryan’s senior football side against Dublin in the Leinster semi-final next Sunday, was subjected to alleged racist abuse in a club game from two Duffry Rovers players, who were subsequently banned for eight weeks, it emerged that county junior footballer Eddie Lawlor was allegedly abused when playing for his club St Joseph’s recently.
The incident involving Lawlor was not included in the referee’s report but a letter was from the club which prompted the investigation. It is envisaged that the findings of the CCCC’s investigation will be issued within the next seven days.
Wexford chairman Diarmuid Devereux has insisted that clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their players and officials and that any further incidents would be dealt with most severely. He also apologised to the players and families of the victims of the recent racial abuse cases.
Children’s officer Dermot Howlin told a meeting of the Wexford county board last night, that part of the Code Of Best Practice programme, currently being rolled out to clubs across the county this year, includes a module on the GAA’s ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ and urged Clubs to ensure all members take part in this course.
County board officers are also planning to promote the campaign to educate GAA members on the issue with proposals to make posters readily available to clubs around the county in the pipeline.
