Mayo board seek reduction of €10,000 fine

The Mayo County Board hope they will be able to reduce the €10,000 fine handed down to them by the Connacht Council for not playing in last month’s FBD Connacht League final in New York.

Describing the punishment as “a bit excessive”, Mayo PRO Aiden McLoughlin said dialogue is taking place between the parties.

In September, Mayo informed the council they would not be travelling for the final against New York on October 7 because of a backlog of club fixtures and unavailability of players.

“Obviously, we knew there was going to be some sort of a consequence to our decision not to go,” said McLoughlin.

“We have heard the fine is €10,000 and we had expected there would be financial penalties.

“Obviously, the county executive will have to meet to discuss whether we will appeal the fine or not. I don’t think there’s going to be any major thing from this. We would be hoping that sum would be reduced and no appeal will be needed.”

Mayo would have received a €18,000 grant from the Connacht Council to help cover expenses as “home” winners of the pre-season competition, but McLoughlin maintains the €10,000 fine is smaller than the total costs that would be incurred going to New York. Figures mooted last month put the price to Mayo at approximately €30,000 in total.