Northern Ireland

Cushendall GAA club probes ‘missing £100,000' claims

Cushendall GAA club is investigating claims that funds in excess of &pound;100,000 have gone missing<br />&nbsp;
Cushendall GAA club is investigating claims that funds in excess of £100,000 have gone missing
 
Cushendall GAA club is investigating claims that funds in excess of £100,000 have gone missing
 

ONE of Ulster's best known GAA clubs is investigating shock claims that funds in excess of £100,000 have gone missing.

Members of Cushendall hurling club are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the findings of a probe.

It is understood the club's accountant has been asked to examine its finances following allegations that could stretch back several years.

Martin Magee, secretary of the Co Antrim club, told The Irish News on Thursday night that an investigation by its executive is ongoing.

But he declined to confirm or deny that it centres on allegations that club funds, thought to run to six figures, have disappeared.

"There is something being looked into by the club executive. There is an ongoing investigation by our executive and by our accountant," he said.

Mr Magee said members of the club would meet next Thursday.

"There has not been anything proven. The meeting next week is a normal members' meeting," he said.

"There are some things we have investigated. We don't have anything concrete to move forward."

He added that the matter was at a "very delicate stage" and would need to be discussed with those concerned.

"I can't really discuss anything at the moment, but we need to bring things up with our members," he said.

"Things have been brought to our attention and they are being investigated. At the meeting next Thursday, hopefully everything will be announced."

The probe emerges just weeks after the club was on a high as its senior hurlers travelled to Croke Park for their first ever All-Ireland club championship final.

Cushendall was swamped in maroon and white as the community came together to support the team.

Co Antrim-born Hollywood star Liam Neeson provided a rallying video message as part of a fundraising drive that involved fans around the world filming themselves striking a sliotar.

The Ruairí Óg club was defeated 2-25 to 2-14 against Limerick side Na Piarsaigh on St Patrick's Day.