Banner chiefs defend their stance on GAC probe into ‘Quinn affair’

CLARE’s stance on the GAC probe into the ‘Gerry Quinn affair’ was strongly defended by Banner GAA chiefs at yesterday’s annual convention in Ennis.

Chairman Fr Michael McNamara answered criticism of their approach by insisting they made the best

decisions at the time.

Secretary Pat Fitzgerald responded to the specific issue of Clare not naming the offending Waterford player by pointing out that it wasn't the wish of Quinn or his parents that it should be done.

Ruane delegate Ger Lyons raised the issue, suggesting the board should have taken an independent stance on the matter.

"You either stay silent or cite a player. In this instance the offender got off free and in my view it's a bit rich for us to give out about the GAC finding fault with us for not naming him," he said.

"In rugby, they do cite players. It's about time that the GAA changed its culture of silence. Incidents like this should not be allowed to sully the name of hurling."

Fr McNamara said on the evening of the game everybody was willing to cite the player, but when it came down to naming names there was nobody rushing forward.

"If Clare named the player, I do not think any action would have been taken because there was no evidence," he said.

Former chairman Brendan Vaughan said he could not understand why the GAC did not impose a very hefty fine on the Waterford Board.

Pat Fitzgerald said they couldn't

ignore Quinn's wish and that of his parents, that the Waterford player

involved should not be named by them. "If we learn anything from the issues in Cork, it's that the views of players are crucially important in this day and age," he added.

Fr Ger Nash, speaking on behalf of Quinn's club, said Corofin had been generally hurt by the incident. And, while he respected the view about the player not being named, he felt there should have been be an independent voice to do so. Responding, Fitzgerald said they could hardly be criticised for not giving the name to the GAC when their own clubs were not prepared to give the right example. Fr McNamara revealed that a planned GAC hearing in Croke Park did not take place because a named Waterford player could not attend.

"The next we heard of the investigation were the news reports was that it was closed and had failed to reach a conclusion because of the failure of the Waterford and Clare County Boards to support the work of the investigation.

"Why the named Waterford player was not called to a further meeting I'll never understand, But what I do understand is that I believe we made the right decision in the circumstances."

*The only election was for the Munster Council where former

referee Noel O'Driscoll (106 votes) was unsuccessful. It meant outgoing delegates John Reidy (152) and Ger Hickey (138) were re-elected.

President: J Smyth; Chairman: Fr M McNamara; Vice-Chairman: M Lee; Secretary: P Fitzgerald; Assistant: J Keane; Treasurer: PJ Kelly; Assistant: B Keane; Youth Officer: M O'Neill; PRO: D Crowe; Irish Officer: P Mac Mathuna; Development Officer: J Hill; Central Council delegate: T Downes; Munster Council delegates: J Reidy and G Hickey.

*The position of Coaching Officer (vacated by Alan Cunningham) has yet to be filled.

*A special presentation was made to Tom Malone (Clonbony), who attended his 67th consecutive convention.