O’Driscoll claims to have met ‘untruthful’ people

Following his defeat in the race to be elected chairman of Clare GAA County Board, Noel O’Driscoll stated he will consider his future in the GAA.

He was “bitterly disappointed,” because he had met “so many untruthful people” he told delegates.

“I travelled the four corners of this county, so did Michael (McDonagh). It was a very clean contest, I set out my stall from day one. I wanted it to be that way. I sat down with people. In sat in their kitchens, I sat in their living rooms, I sat in their diningrooms. I sat in the passenger seats of their cars. I was scrupulously truthful. It’s not sour grapes now chairman. I was scrupulously truthful. I can say standing up here without fear of contradiction, I am bitterly disappointed, not in the manner of defeat and not because I am defeated. I am bitterly disappointed because I met so many untruthful people,” he said.

“Noel O’Driscoll stands for one thing, chairman. Its not sour grapes now, get this right, I was brought up with honesty and integrity and truthfulness.

“Everywhere I ever went, and I worked for the Government for 40 years, I was honest, I was truthful but, my god, over the last three weeks. I have no problem with Michael (McDonagh) coming in, we are the best of friends.

“I sat down last night and did a rough count and based on all the people who told me up to my face, I thought I was going to make it. I said it would be very tight. I was told a lot of un-truths. People told me, clubs told me they wouldn’t be voting for me for certain reasons. I’m disappointed. I wish Michael the best of luck and I wish this board the best of luck as well. I have worked tirelessly for the GAA all my life.

I refereed for 22 years. I could have gone on for another 12. When I packed it in I wrote to the then secretary and I informed him that I was quitting refereeing. I didn’t even get an acknowledgement of my letter. I don’t mind that.”