LGFA promise full inquiry into Mayo withdrawal

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association have vowed to carry out ‘a full inquiry’ into the withdrawal of Mayo from this year’s All-Ireland senior championship.

Intensive negotiations to end the stand-off between players and the county board have failed to resolve the standoff which followed the resignation of manager Pat Costello.

Costello claimed his position was undermined by some players, a claim rejected by the squad.

However, board delegates have voted overwhelmingly on two occasions to withdraw the side from both the provincial championships.

However the sports governing body last night issued a hard-hitting statement on the matter describe the situation as wholly unsatisfactory.

In a statement issued last night: “It is extremely disappointing that despite intensive efforts and negotiations over the last few weeks that Mayo will not be competing in this year’s TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football Championship.

“The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has met with both the players and the Mayo Ladies County Board on a number of occasions over the last few weeks.

“Despite these efforts, the County Board has decided not to change its decision to withdraw Mayo from this year’s Championship.

“It is wholly unsatisfactory that Mayo will not be competing in this year’s Championship and the Association will be carrying out a full inquiry into the matter.”

Meanwhile, Ray Cullivan has withdrawn from the Cavan football squad after being left out of the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Ulster SFC quarter-final against Fermanagh.

Cullivan, who started in all three of his county’s championship games last year, played a minimal part in the Breffni County’s most recent National Football League campaign.

However, he was thought to be in contention for a start for the showdown with the Erne men at Kingspan Breffni Park.