Mayo aiming to identify missile throwers

THE MAYO County Board said yesterday they would study video evidence from Sunday's game against Kerry in an attempt to identify the spectators who threw items, reported to be a piece of wood and coins, at Kerry full forward Kieran Donaghy.

Donaghy reacted angrily to the incident and has since apologised for making gestures towards the crowd.

"Kieran Donaghy is a wonderful footballer, respected all over the country. Anyone who would throw something at him while he's out on the field playing a game should not be made welcome at a GAA venue," said Mayo County Board chairman John Waldron.

"We want to identify who threw this missile, and we will be looking at the video footage closely to see if we can shine any light on it. It may be that TG4 don't have any close-up crowd shots from the time, but we will certainly be checking to find out.

"There is no way we would stand over an incident like this at our venue and we are very sorry that it happened."

While Donaghy had been struck earlier in the match by a coin, the spotlight is on an incident just moments after the Tralee Tigers basketball player missed a late chance to level the game.

Speaking in Dublin yesterday, the All Star forward was keen to put the issue behind him, but he was asked if he expected to be suspended.

"No. I don't think so. I don't think the referee put it in his report so I don't think anything will happen. That is my understanding of it.

"It happened after I kicked the ball and I was running back into full forward. But, look, I have a good relationship with the Mayo supporters. I have been going up there for years playing basketball and I know how good the Mayo fans are, and that was just a mistake. It was a mistake on my part as well.

"I should have had a bit more cop-on about the whole thing and just turned around and just picked it up and given it to the linesman and told them to cut it out. As I said, when things like that happen you react and I just reacted the wrong way, but it's over now."

Meanwhile, John Power has resigned as secretary of the Galway football board after being overlooked for a place on the Connacht Council and as football board chairman.

"I have made the decision to resign and there is no point in thrashing out all the reasons for making that decision. I have enjoyed my time and wish Galway football all the best," he said.

The first public indication of Power's discontent emerged when he stormed out of the Galway County Board convention in December.

Power, who was secretary of the divisional west board for nine years before becoming Galway football board secretary, had been given to understand he was to be appointed to one of two positions on the provincial body. However, outgoing football board chairman Pat Egan changed his mind about stepping down and went forward for the position on the provincial body. He was elected unopposed, along with former county board chairman Frank Burke.

Power's resignation ends a successful association with Galway teams during his 13 years as secretary that includes two senior All-Ireland titles which were followed by two at under-21 level and last year's minor football title.