Leitrim GAA call for positivity in wake of online criticism after New York defeat

Leitrim GAA County Board has called on supporters to maintain an air of the positivity over the coming weeks in a statement released on the Leitrim GAA website as they condemned the harsh online criticism of players and management that has followed last Saturday's historic Connacht SFC victory over New York.

After the team touched down in Ireland on Tuesday, Leitrim GAA congratulated New York on their historic breakthrough victory, praised the support of thousands of Leitrim supporters who were present in Gaelic Park as well as thanking the Leitrim community in New York, particularly team sponsors Seamus & Caitriona Clarke, for their support in New York.

The statement also called for "positive criticism" and condemned some of the criticism of players, describing it as "We implore anybody with an interest in the promotion of these young lads to maintain positivity over the next number of weeks. 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.

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"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."

The statement in full is as follows:

The Leitrim squad and officials arrived safely back in Ireland earlier this morning from our Connacht SFC match with New York, played in Gaelic Park, on Saturday night last. 

While we, obviously, are very disappointed with the result of the game, we wish to express our extreme gratitude to all the supporters who travelled in great numbers to the Bronx and gave the lads great encouragement during the game, and all those who, no doubt, watching it on GAAGO or listening to it on local radio, would have likewise been encouraging and willing the team to victory. 

We wish to also acknowledge all the help and support we received from the Leitrim Community in New York, led by our team sponsors Seamus and Caitriona Clarke.

BREAKING: NEW YORK BEAT LEITRIM ON PENALTIES FOR HISTORIC FIRST EVER CONNACHT VICTORY

NEW YORK 0-15 LEITRIM 0-15 (AET) - NEW YORK WIN 2-0 ON PENALTIES

The preparation, dedication, and effort put in by all concerned in the run-up to this game was supposed to cumulatively lead to a win and a place in the Connacht semi-final. It wasn’t to be, unfortunately, and we heartily congratulate New York on a historic victory. Their scenes of unbridled joy were in sharp contrast to the desolation felt by our lads at the final whistle. 

New York have many years of ‘what might have been’ since they first entered the Connacht SFC in 1999, and last Saturday, their long wait for a victory came to an end. We wish them the best of luck in less than two weeks as they prepare to take on Sligo in the Connacht semi-final.

We look forward to the Tailteann Cup, which commences on May 13/14, and we implore anybody with an interest in the promotion of these young lads to maintain positivity over the next number of weeks. 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. 

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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.

Beidh lá eile. Liatroim Abú.

Leitrim GAA Squad And Officials Arrive Safely Back From New York - https://t.co/pIGfCkFbcN

The Leitrim squad and officials arrived safely back in Ireland earlier this morning from our Connacht SFC m... pic.twitter.com/GAQxVwOCEs

— Leitrim GAA (@LeitrimGAA) April 11, 2023