Meath GAA Co Board sought to debar former chairman ahead of annual convention

Meath GAA Co Board has unsuccessfully sought to debar former chairman Peter O'Halloran from contesting any positions on the management committee for 2020.

Legal advice provided to the management committee advised that as the matter under investigation was over 96 weeks old that no disciplinary action could be taken on the matter.

The Meath GAA Co Board convention is set for next month on Monday 16th December.

A discussion on the circumstances that surrouned Peter O'Halloran's resignation as chairman was not allowed at the last Co Board meeting, but the report of the investigation sub-committee was considered by the Management Committee last Monday night.

This evening, soon after 8pm, Meath Co Board issued the following statement - it was issued one hour after a statement was issued by the Slane GAA club.

SEE BELOW

MEATH CO BOARD

2nd SEPTEMBER
Coiste na Mí received a complaint alleging that inappropriate messages had been sent by the Cathaoirleach, Peter O’Halloran, in 2016 and 2017 at a time when he was chairperson of the Meath CCC. Similar allegations had appeared in the media around the same time.

20TH SEPTEMBER
Peter O’Halloran advised the Management Committee of Coiste na Mí that he was resigning. He provided a written statement of his reasons and this was circulated to the clubs in Meath.

23RD SEPTEMBER 
Management Committee decided to seek assistance from a higher GAA body in dealing with the complaint which had been received. Comhairle Laighean agreed to assist and nominated persons who were prepared to investigate the matter.

2ND OCTOBER 
Management Committee appointed a sub-committee comprising Liam O’Neill, Shane Flanagan and Fintan Fanning to investigate the complaint.

18th NOVEMBER
The report of the investigation sub-committee was considered by the Management Committee.

The Management Committee accepted the sub-committee’s findings that the actions of Peter O’Halloran “fell short of the principles of Leadership, Transparency, Accountability and Integrity promoted in the GAA Governance Guide” and that he took the correct course of action in resigning as Cathaoirleach.

We acknowledge that Slane GAA Club is an innocent party and not involved in any aspect of this investigation.

The Meath GAA Management Committee voted in favour of debarring Peter O’Halloran from holding office on the Management Committee in 2020. 

However, the evidence and information provided related to a period greater than 96 weeks ago. 

It is not possible to initiate Disciplinary Action as such evidence and information could not be accepted at a Hearing (Rule 7.3(aa)(5) Official Guide

SLANE GAA CLUB STATEMENT (PORTION)
Further to Media enquiries, releases and speculation during the week and further request for club comment, Slane GFC Executive Committee, after careful consideration, are make the following Statement with advice.

Slane GFC at this point in time can confirm that the only communications they have received in relation to the resignation of the Co Board chairman are as follows.
 
6th SEPTEMBER 
The Club contacted Meath Co.Board and advised that they were the club referred to in the media re Whatsapp message by Co Board chairman to a referee and that the club was concerned by the allegations and had taken legal advise and wished to be kept informed on proceedings.

21st SEPTEMBER 
Meath Co.Board informs the club of resignation of Co. Board chairman.
23RD SEPTEMBER
Meath Co. Board informs the club that they have decided an investigation is necessary by Leinster Council and they will make no further comment until the investigation is complete.
7TH OCTOBER
New Meath Co. Board Chairman (John Kavanagh) telephones Slane club chairman and Co. Board Delegate before the Co.Board meeting that night and informs club chairman on the composition of the Leinster Council investigation team and directs that that investigation team have advised that the issue cannot be discussed at that nights meeting whilst the investigation is running.

He also states that the club will be contacted by the investigation team to have their say on the matter. He also announces to all club delegates before the meeting that night, that the matter cannot be discussed.

1st NOVEMBER 
Meath Co .Board informs the club that the investigation is still ongoing ahead of the next monthly Co.Board meeting.

COMMENT
Slane GFC are aware that Meath GAA's legal adviser has advised under Rule 7.3(5) that they cannot impose a sanction on on former chairman as it is outside the 96-week window.  Slane GFC club has not officially been informed by Meath Co. Board of any outcome at this point in time.