Down secretary calls GAC 'inept'

Down county secretary Donal McCormack has heavily criticised the Games Administration Committee (GAC). His remarks come in the course of comments on the James McCartan case in his annual report to next weekend's county convention.

"The saddest event of the year was the trial of James McCartan for assaulting an opponent. As someone who has known James for over 20 years and watched his progress from under-14 to All Star level, I must say that I cannot believe that he carried out such an action.

"I feel that my opinion is substantiated by the inconsistencies of the evidence presented on behalf of the injured player."

But referring to the GAC's handling of the McCartan case, which was dropped after an appeal to the GAA's Management Committee, McCormack accused the disciplinary body of ineptitude.

"We in Down did not attempt in any way to disrupt the investigation by the GAA or the law, but only endeavoured to ensure that our player was treated fairly at all times.

"I am very disappointed that a national newspaper recently quoted a senior member of GAC as being of this opinion. I would suggest that he was simply trying to disguise the ineptitude of that committee, as evidenced on numerous occasions during the year."

He also rejected the allegation that the criminal case arose only because the matter hadn't been adequately dealt with by the GAA.

"The decision to proceed with legal action had been taken before the GAA had commenced its investigation, as the Garda were waiting to interview James McCartan as he left that meeting."

McCormack took issue with suggestions that Down had shown no interest in the well-being of Kenny Larkin, the Westmeath player injured in the incident.

"Contrary to what has been stated in the press, I personally contacted my counterpart in Westmeath to inquire as to the well being of the injured player, and I know that Dan McCartan, our Central Council representative, Seán Óg McAteer, our PRO and others also inquired as to his medical condition and wished him a speedy recovery."

In a different section, McCormack expressed his personal support for the retention of Rule 42, which is used to prevent soccer and rugby from being played at GAA grounds.

"Croke Park was built by our members for use by our members, and until all our members are able to be facilitated in it we should not be considering renting it to other sporting organisations. I would like to see many more of our club members and youth members being given the opportunity to enjoy this great asset."