Greenan has no regrets over Kelly ovation snub

ULSTER COUNCIL chairman Michael Greenan last night remained unrepentant about his decision to remain seated during a standing ovation for outgoing GAA President Sean Kelly at the weekend Congress in Killarney.

Mr Greenan, who strongly opposed the decision to amend Rule 42 last year, was the only official at the top table who failed to rise and applaud the Kerry native after his final address.

However, a defiant Mr Greenan stressed last night that his actions were not an insult to the office of the President of the Association.

“There was no insult,” he insisted. “If people want to give a standing ovation they can give a standing ovation. If people want to remain seated they can remain seated. We are not sheep. It is a choice that people make and I made my choice.”

The former Cavan chairman said that he was not alone in his stance.

“I didn’t do a head count but there were a few other people who remained seated, as was their right, during the ovation. This is not an issue. The media has blown it out of proportion.”

Mr Greenan wants to put the incident behind him and concentrate on Mr Kelly’s successor, Nickey Brennan.

“I would prefer to look to the future” he continued. “Our new president will be up-front, open and transparent.

“I hope that Nickey Brennan will be good for the association and will lead us down the right road.”