The GAA have rejected a request from Mayo to have the player numbers on the back of their intercounty kits in the colours of the rainbow for next year's Allianz League campaign.
The request from Mayo came after a suggestion from their charity partner Mindspace Mayo, who encouraged the move as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Croke Park, however, have turned down the move, with the Independent reporting that the GAA view playing gear as "sacrosanct" and blocking the suggestion.
Mayo rainbow numbers request rejected
In 2020, Mayo wore rainbow laces for the All-Ireland senior football semi-final at Croke Park, as did their opponents Tipperary.
6
December 2020; Rainbow coloured laces are seen on the boots of Aidan O'Shea of Mayo during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Mayo and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/SportsfileThe green and red wanted to go one step further for their 2023 league campaign, with a request submitted to the GAA to have the numbers on the back of their kits in the colours of the LGBTQ+ Pride rainbow flag.
It has been suggested that the GAA are open to supporting the movement, but that they will not allow the jerseys themselves to be used to make what they strangely described in 2015 as a "political gesture."
On that occasion, it was referee David Gough who wished to wear a rainbow wristband when he was the man in the middle for Dublin's league clash with Tyrone at Croke Park. The Independent report suggested that Gough was told that wearing the Pride wristband would have breached the organisation's rules on "political" gestures.
Mayo are preparing for the 2023 season with uncertainty surrounding the camp. New manager Kevin McStay will have to adapt quickly, with the GAA also blocking a request for two intercounty challenge matches in the lead up to the league.
As well as that, Oisin Mullin will at last move on to Australia and the Geelong Cats in the AFL, while rumours abound that the great Lee Keegan will finally hang up his Mayo jersey.
The request from the Mayo board to support the LGBTQ+ community has to be admired, and one can only hope that they can find an alternative manner to express their support.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Pat McEnaney Explains Chaos Of Refereeing Infamous All Ireland Final Brawl Of '96
