Déise ace reveals internet torment

JOHN MULLANE was forced to contact the Gardaí about fake social media accounts claiming to be him.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Munster SHC final, the three-time All Star said the authorities successfully cancelled the false profiles set up under his name.

Speaking to men’s website joe.ie about social media, Mullane said: “I’m totally against it. I had a situation where there was somebody pretending to be me on both Bebo and Facebook, so I got the Gardaí involved and thankfully they were able to get rid of one or two of the pages off the internet.

“A lot of people out there were probably thinking it was me, but I’m against all that stuff.

“The less people know about you, the better and that’s the way I am, I’m a very private person.”

Mullane also expressed his opposition to championship games being played under floodlights.

Waterford beat Cork in spectacular fashion in last year’s Munster final replay under lights in Semple Stadium but the De La Salle man hopes it was a once-off.

“I just think it was one of those things, it was just one of those nights, it was like something out of a film — the night that was in it and the way the game went and you know, it was special with the lights coming on.

“But I don’t think it’s an avenue the GAA should look at as championship games should always be played in daylight.”

Meanwhile, Mullane reiterated his firm belief that the GAA have to cut the price of tickets to championship matches.

“In fairness to the GAA, they’re trying their best with family packages and things like that but they’re probably the only organisation that isn’t getting with the times and I suppose they could help a little bit more.

“From a players’ point of view, all we ask for is to play in front of a big crowd and when ticket prices are so high you couldn’t blame people for staying away. People have to think of putting food on the table and they have to think of their pockets rather than going to the games, but if they brought the ticket prices down, it might attract a lot more.

Not only that, but the GAA would be much better off having a bigger crowd at lesser prices because bigger crowds at a game would help the economy in a big way because there would be more money spent outside the stadium too.”