GAA board distances itself from Nally demonstration

The GAA County Board in Mayo has distanced itself from a rally being held this weekend in support of jailed farmer Paraic Nally.

The move follows a day of controversy in the local media yesterday over whether the board was involved in organising the demonstration in Athlone.

Mayo County Board chairman Paddy Naughton later confirmed that the board was not involved in the rally, but members were free to attend if they wished.

He also appeared to express support for Mr Nally by saying the board backed legislative changes to ensure more rights for people protecting their homes.

Mr Nally, from Funshinagh, was jailed for six years last week for the manslaughter of a Traveller who he shot dead outside his home in October 2004.

The farmer said 43-year-old John Ward, a father-of-11, had been trespassing on his land and trying to break into his house.

Many local people have expressed support for Mr Nally, but the Ward family has slammed the leniency of the sentence he received and is planning a civil action.