Duffy hits back at McGeeney comments
11:41, 16 Jul 2012
GAA Director General Páraic Duffy Duffy has hit back at comments made by Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney saying that the Lilywhites were better off being 'sneaky or dishonest' in relation to the transfer of Seanie Johnston.
Speaking after Kildare's comfortable 3-20 to 1-9 All-Ireland qualifier win over Cavan yesterday, McGeeney told RTÉ Radio's Brian Carthy: "All I know is that Seanie was available to play for Kildare and that's as much as I know and he was told he wasn't wanted in Cavan.
"In fairness to 99% of the supporters, both Kildare and Cavan they applauded (when he came on). He has given his lot for Cavan in the past too and I'm sure he will do the same for Kildare now.
"He was playing well all week and he was as entitled as anyone else to come on to the team. There has been a lot written and said about Seanie.
"He is a good fella and he is 100% and is trying to be honest and do everything above board. Unfortunately that isn't always the way in the GAA and you are better off being sneaky and telling lies.
"Seanie, Kildare and even our own management team has been vilified and insulted from top to bottom," added the Kildare boss.
Duffy expressed his disappointment when asked to respond to McGeeney's claims after today's draw for the remaining rounds of the SFC qualifiers.
"I know Kieran McGeeney well and I have to say I am disappointed with his comments," Duffy said on RTÉ Radio 1's 'Morning Ireland' porgramme.
"The facts of the matter are that the CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) examined the transfer on two occasions. It was their job to establish whether the player was a permanent resident in Kildare.
"I think the proof of the integrity of the process is that despite the reservations of the CCCC and many people in the GAA, the CAC (Central Appeals Committee) actually granted the transfer on a procedural matter and the player is now playing with Kildare.
"I think the integrity of the process is now beyond reproach. There was nothing sneaky or dishonest about the way the GAA dealt with this matter."
The Monaghan native says that a decision passed at GAA Congress last April means that it is unlikely that similar issues will arise in the future.
"The transfer was granted under rules that prevailed before Congress this year," he explained.
"The rule changes that were made at Congress this year mean that this type of situation probably won't arise again and the loophole has already been closed."