All-Ireland senior ladies champions Carnacon have been thrown out of the 2018 Mayo senior club championship after eight of their players left the Mayo senior panel early this summer.
The decision was taken by the Mayo county board last night, with the Connacht Telegraph confirming a vote was taken and passed to throw the club out of the championship. It means they will not be able to defend their county, provincial or All-Ireland crown this year.
Last month, a significant group of players took the decision to depart the senior panel. In a statement via the Women's GPA, it was said they had stepped away "for player welfare issues that are personal and sensitive to the players involved."
It was reported that the group was 12 members of the panel and two selectors, Michael McHale and Denise McDonagh. Eight of those players were from the Carnacon club. The county board cited rule 288 which relates to bringing the game into disrepute. The Connacht Telegraph confirmed no other players have been subjected to similar protocol.
One of the players affected by this decision is Cora Staunton. Speaking to Balls.ie last month, she confirmed there was 'a good reason' behind the walkout.
It's disappointing that it's gone to this but we don't make these decisions lightly. Obviously, we love playing for Mayo and pulling on the Mayo jersey but there's a good reason behind the decision.
I was going into season 24 with Mayo. I started as a 13-year-old a long time ago now. It's heart-breaking to have to make that decision.
At the time of writing, the Mayo LGFA have not responded to request for comment.
