Limerick crisis talks fail to make breakthrough

Crisis talks involving Limerick GAA’s top officials failed to find a resolution last night following Treasurer Donal Morrissey’s quit threat.

Morrissey, father of county senior hurling panellists Dan and Tom, was on the verge of resigning his position ahead of a board executive meeting at Munster GAA headquarters in Castletroy but shortly before 10pm, the gathering was adjourned without a significant breakthrough.

It is understood discussions may take place again later today following revelations Morrissey intended to step down if the proposed appointment of secretary Mike O’Riordan was rubber-stamped.

Morrissey was left disillusioned by the procedures surrounding proposed moves to push through a fresh term for O’Riordan, the Limerick board’s full-time secretary.

Under GAA rules, top table officers must vacate a role after five-year terms but paid officials can serve seven-year stints.

O’Riordan was appointed to the position in 2009 and while his tenure expires at the end of April, county board chairman Oliver Mann was set to table a proposal to have it extended.

Morrissey indicated to Mann if this did happen, he would be resigning, insisting privately the role should be advertised publicly so that other prospective candidates could apply.

Behind closed doors last night, Shannonside top brass struggled for common ground and well-placed sources have confirmed that this could be a lengthy process.