Monaghan GAA suspends senior football manager Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney after training breach
The Monaghan footballers are the latest intercounty squad to have been found to breach the current training ban, and the county board disciplined senior manager Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney.
Thursday 8 April 2021 17:15, UK
Monaghan GAA has suspended senior football manager Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney after it emerged that the Farney squad held a training session last month.
Reports on Thursday morning revealed that the Ulster side held a gathering at Corduff GAA club in March.
Intercounty squads are not permitted to train collectively until April 19, under both government and GAA guidelines.
"Monaghan GAA acknowledge that following an investigation this morning, there was a breach of the Covid-19 regulations and guidelines," read a statement.
"Resulting from an internal investigation, our senior team manager, Seamus McEnaney, has admitted that this was a serious error of judgement and apologies unreservedly for the indiscretion.
"The County Management Committee have suspended the Monaghan GAA Senior Football manager, Seamus McEnaney for 12 weeks with immediate effect and will fully cooperate and comply with any Croke Park investigation."
McCarthy: Breaches have done GAA reputational damage
The GAA have launched their own investigation into the matter.
"We had a management meeting this morning and we're dealing with the latest breach," said association president Larry McCarthy.
"We appointed a committee to investigate it. There's nothing else on it. That's where we are. What can you say? It's unfortunate that it took place, but it did take place whenever it was, 10 days ago. We'll investigate it and deal with it.
"I think it has done us reputational damage, which we're going to have to work to get back. There's no appetite for any breaches in society at the moment. So undoubtedly it has. But we'll continue to work to get that confidence back from the public again. And hopefully there won't be any more breaches."
I think it has done us reputational damage.
Monaghan's ban follows the precedent set by the Dublin county board last week, who suspended Dessie Farrell for the same time period.
The GAA may also look to set their own sanctions, after they handed out bans to Down manager Paddy Tally and Cork boss Ronan McCarthy following incidents in January.
The 2021 season will get underway in May. Monaghan will feature in Division 1 of the National League, and will be hoping for improved fortunes in the championship, having suffered a shock early exit at the hands of Cavan in 2020.
