Murray to face full rigours of law over JFK bomb remark

LEITRIM footballer Ciaran Murray has pledged to return to New York and face the full rigours of the law for the ‘silly’ bomb prank at JFK Airport which went disastrously wrong.

Murray, 27, issued a statement through his solicitor last night expressing his remorse at making a joke about a bomb in his travel bag when leaving from Kennedy Airport after Leitrim’s Connacht SFC victory last weekend.

Reports that his passport had been confiscated were dismissed by Leitrim County Board officials, but the player is due to appear in court in New York later this month.

His solicitor, Kevin Kilrane, issued the statement, and explained: “On Monday last, on his checking in on the return flight at JFK airport, one piece of luggage feel to the ground as it was being handed over for security clearance.

“In a foolish attempt at humour, Ciaran referred to there being a bomb in the bag which fell. Understandably the officer did not appreciate this remark, and though Ciaran apologised profusely for his actions, and the officer having satisfied himself that there was nothing of concern in the luggage, Ciaran was arrested for making a false report.

“On reflection Ciaran understands fully how wrong and downright silly this off-the-cuff remark was, having regard to what is happening in the world today.

“He is extremely remorseful to all concerned, including the officer in question at JFK, Leitrim GAA, all of his friends, but especially his father and mother who have been embarrassed and hurt by this unfortunate incident.

“Ciaran intends returning to New York to have his case concluded and this matter put behind him.”

He added that Murray has an excellent record for hard work and dedication to the GAA, has never been in trouble of any kind and can only hope that his apology and remorse would be accepted by all those who have been affected by this incident.

Leitrim GAA chairman Michael McGowan yesterday confirmed that Murray is back home in Dublin, where he works as a sales rep.

It’s understood that GAA contacts in New York funded the $2,500 bail bond set by the court which carried out an initial hearing.

Murray is an established member of the Leitrim team, having played at centre-back in last year’s championship. Injury kept him out of the starting 15 last Sunday, but he came in as a substitute at centre-forward.

“Basically he passed a jocose remark regarding a bomb in a bag,’’ said Mr McGowan, who was unaware of what had happened until he was called to the departures desk by police.

“I met with them at that particular stage. They took the comment very seriously. I informed them that it was a harmless comment, but they did not think so. I appreciate the situation they are in because of what happened on September 11.

“Murray was taken away by police to face a charge and he was then released. After missing his scheduled flight, he came home on the next available flight.”

New York board chairman Liam Bermingham added: “As far as we are concerned it has nothing to do with us. All we did was play a match against Leitrim in the Connacht championship and that was it. I have no idea what happened other than one of the Leitrim lads made a silly comment at the airport on Monday and was arrested.

“You have to realise that it is a completely different climate over here and things like that are not tolerated by security officials.”

Meanwhile, Cork footballer Ciaran O’Sullivan has vowed that his inter-county career is not finished, despite being dropped from Larry Tompkins’ panel.

The Beara man who last played for the county side in the All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry was also critical of the manner in which he has been treated over the past three months by manager Larry Tompkins and his selectors.

“I definitely have not retired from intercounty football. I am not part of the panel for the Limerick game. Larry Tompkins rang me on April 28 that I was not needed.

“Naturally I was very disappointed because initially I was under the impression that there was a way back.

“Larry rang me in January before the Cork team went on holiday and told me that it was a bit early for me to come back, but to stay in shape. I have done that.

“I always kept that in mind and I have trained hard with my club, Urhan, and have also played games with Beara

“I was disappointed that between January and April I did not receive a phone call letting me know what was going on.

“I don’t think it matters if you are playing with a team ten years or just a year, a phone call between January and April would not hurt.”