Leitrim GAA have hit out at unspecified criticism of their players on social media in the wake of the defeat to New York in the Connacht Football Championship.
While New York celebrated their achievement, Andy Moran's side left the US on the wrong side of history following the penalty shootout loss.
In a statement posted on their website, Leitrim paid tribute to the efforts of the players and expressed annoyance at reaction to the game online.
It 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 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 (we) 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."
Leitrim narrowly missed out on promotion to Division 3 earlier this month and begin their Tailteann campaign in mid-May.
GAA president Larry McCarthy has previously raised the issue of online abuse of GAA players, namely after Mayo’s failure to win the All-Ireland Football Championship.
He said in 2022: "Let me reiterate a point that I made last year, and again after the All-Ireland football final; stop abusing our players, referees, and officials on social media.
"Stop the cowardly attacks on people who are volunteering their time and talent for the betterment of society.
"Stop the unwarranted assaults on people’s characters. Stop the nefarious condemnations of amateur sports people.
"The abuse that Mayo players were subject to last summer was unacceptable, not only as sportspeople, but as human beings."
Watch Tyrone v Monaghan in the Ulster Football Championship on Sunday from 3.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on the RTÉ News app or RTÉ.ie/Sport or listen to live commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
