GAA top brass happy to meet Tim O'Leary to help solve Mayo issue

THE director general of the GAA has offered to meet with the head of the Mayo GAA International Supporters Club Tim O'Leary in a bid to resolve the current difficulties facing the Mayo County Board.

The offer was made by Tom Ryan in a letter which was discussed at last night's meeting of the board's executive committee in Castlebar.

It follows a meeting between members of the committee and top-ranking GAA officials at Croke Park last Friday.

The meeting was called in a bid to find a resolution to the board's dispute with the Mayo International GAA Supporters Club over a sum of €250,000 raised at a function in New York last May.

The US-based supporters club is withholding the money after raising concerns over a number of governance issues relating to the Mayo County Board. 

In a significant development in the saga, Mr. Ryan said he is willing to met with Mr. O'Leary with a view of reaching 'a positive outcome' to the controversy.

He asked the Mayo County Board to assist in making the meeting happen.

Mr. Ryan stated: "We appreciate the current difficulties the Mayo committee is currently facing and we offer whatever support and assistance may be required to reach a positive outcome to all concerned.

"We would be glad to meet with Mr. O'Leary in this regard and I would be grateful if you could assist in making the arrangements for such a meeting.

"In the meantime, out of respect for all parties and in order to facilitate a solution, can I ask that you refrain from any further public statements on the matter."