AN ULSTER COUNCIL investigation into the Donegal and Tyrone Ulster Minor Championship clash has found it was “likely” there were “unwelcome comments” made towards a Donegal player during the game.
The conclusion of the Ulster Council CCC investigation represents the end of a five-month investigation by the council into allegations that some Tyrone players used personal remarks against a Donegal player last May. A copy of the investigation report, which has been seen by The Irish News, states: “On balance of probabilities and following a review of the evidence, it was likely that some Tyrone players made unwelcome verbal comments towards the Donegal player during the game.
“Both county committees and the investigation committee accept that the comments were not about the death of the player’s father.
It adds: “All sides accept that the comments made by players and others on social and open media channels were not reflective of the views and ethos of either Tyrone or Donegal GAA.
“Tyrone GAA has expressed their best wishes to the Donegal player in question. The Donegal GAA officials welcomed and thanked Tyrone GAA for their comments and have also expressed the same sentiments to all the Tyrone players. This matter is now concluded”.
The investigation report appears to contradict a report in an online magazine that the comments “did not take place”.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ulster Council said that “following a request from the Tyrone County Committee, Ulster GAA through its CCC established an Investigation Committee in May 2015 which met on seven occasions over a four-month period to review evidence and witness statements alongside conducting a range of interviews with the relevant parties.
“At a meeting on Wednesday September 23 the Committee reviewed its findings with both Tyrone and Donegal and the concluding report was signed by all parties.
“The Committee agreed with both County Committees that the findings will remain confidential. We would also highlight that recent media reports regarding the investigation do not accurately reflect the findings of the Committee”.
“All parties were satisfied that this matter was resolved and there will be no further comment from Ulster GAA."
