Call for suspension of Mayo GAA Under-17 series 'in order to resolve issues'

Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club has called for the Mayo Under 17A championship to be put on hold until issues relating to the competition are fully investigated.

The abandoned semi-final between the county town club and Westport has been refixed following a successful appeal by Westport GAA Club for re-instatement after being originally suspended.

A statement posted on the Mitchels club's social media platforms this evening has outlined reasons for their concerns in relation to the matter - and they have raised those concerns at a number of levels.

The statement outlined: "Following on from the abandoned game, Castlebar Mitchels was 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 competitions control committee (CCC) fined Westport €1,000, a 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 of 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 two games.

"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 compliment the management and players of our under 17 team for their patience and forbearance while this issue is being resolved.

"We also thank the parents and acknowledge the support from the wider community, in the face of untrue and hostile commentary on social media."

In a statement, Mayo GAA said: "We acknowledge the concerns raised by Castlebar Mitchels.

"We will continue to liaise with Connacht GAA and the GAA centrally in an effort to address the issues raised.

"We will not be making any further comment at this time."