Twittering classes split over GAA’s new rules

MAYO footballers and tweeters, captain Alan Dillon and Keith Higgins, have reacted differently to news the GAA are set to produce social media guidelines for inter-county players.

Following Wexford players’ criticism of referee Derek Fahy, Croke Park plans to release a code of conduct which they will expect the top hurlers and footballers to abide by.

Dillon and Higgins are among at least seven of James Horan’s panel who use Twitter. While Dillon appreciates some opinions have to be kept in check, Higgins has no issue with players expressing their views without censure.

“The GAA are right in a way,” said the Ballintubber man. “There should be guidelines where players should draw the line in terms of comments about county boards and referees. My own experience is that it’s just a bit of craic and a bit of fun. Any negativity of bringing the game into disrepute should be eradicated. That’s where the GAA is coming from.”

However, Higgins is unmoved by the GAA plans. “It wouldn’t bother me too much if they did clamp down on it or if they didn’t. If they do they might be going a bit too far. If lads want to say what they want, fire ahead. It doesn’t bother me.”

Defender Donal Vaughan does not have a Twitter account primarily because of the channel it opens for criticism. In May, a few of his teammates received critical messages following the extra-time Connacht win over London.

“If I’m going to say something, I’ll say it in a message.

“I wouldn’t be comfortable with the whole thing. It’s great when you’re going well but some of the lads will tell you some of the things they got on Twitter after the London game wouldn’t be too nice.

“The GAA punishing lads for what they might say on it? Lads are smart, if they’re going to say something controversial on it they should have more sense than that.”

Meanwhile, Wexford’s Anthony Masterson has been cleared to play with his club Castletown this year.

The goalkeeper had been requested by the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) to apologise in writing for his post-match criticism of referee Derek Fahy or face an eight-week ban from the game.

The Castletown clubman forwarded his letter of apology on Friday last. The CCCC informed the Wexford keeper yesterday that his apology in writing had been accepted by the committee. “I’m relieved it all over,” said Masterson.