Leitrim GAA has fired back at the people sending abuse to the players who lost to New York GAA last weekend.
Leitrim became the first side to lose to New York when they were defeated on penalties on Saturday night.
Poor old Johnny Glynn hadn’t any more energy to run on for the celebrations after a mammoth display 😂
What a night in New York and what a start to the 2023 Championship #GAA pic.twitter.com/8S3edKRgRZ— Seán Hussey (@SeanHussey00) April 9, 2023
New York had not won in 22 previous attempts in the Connacht championship, but managed to break that record against Andy Moran's men in the Bronx.
The loss did not go down well with supporters, and according to Leitrim GAA's post, 'the messages made for difficult reading'.
The lenghty statement from Leitrim read: “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.
The post then went on to say: "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.
"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.”
New York will now play Sligo in a fortnight's time in the Connacht semi-final, while Leitrim will play in the Tailteann Cup.
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
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