Leitrim GAA has issued a statement in light of criticism directed at the team and management following last weekend’s penalty shootout loss to New York.
Having finished at 0-15 each after extra time, New York won 2-0 on penalties to secure their first victory of any sort in senior Championship football at the 23rd attempt, having first taken part in the Connacht Championship back in 1999.
The Leitrim travelling party arrived back in Ireland on Tuesday and the county board posted a statement on its website congratulating New York on their achievement while thanking those who made the trip to support the team, but harsh comment directed at the players and management led by Andy Moran was also referenced.
While appealing to followers to “maintain positivity over the next number of weeks” as the Tailteann Cup campaign approaches, the statement, which wasn’t attributed to any individual on the board, read: “It is easy to be critical, and positive criticism is always welcome. Some of what has been posted in the aftermath of last Saturday night makes for difficult reading and, dare I say it, has been made with little thought for those on the receiving end.
“The pen is mightier than the sword so always bear in mind that our players are dedicated and exemplary young men who give up huge chunks of their time and make tremendous sacrifices in pursuit of an amateur sport that is supposed to be for everybody’s enjoyment.
“It goes without saying that our team management left no stone unturned and did their utmost to have the lads primed for the match.
“All we lost on Saturday night last was a mere game of football. We are very proud of them all as indeed we’re certain are their parents and all the family members associated with them.”
