“Bitterly Disappointing” for Clones Teen

CLONES Town Council has offered words of support for local teen, Michaela Newell, who was dropped from the county GAA ladies panel six days before the team played Cork in the All-Ireland Final, as reported exclusively by the Post at the time.
Clones mother Yvonne Newell previously told the Post that her 17-year-old daughter was let go from the panel unfairly.
“The reason given was that she had not attended training sufficiently and was ‘lacking in commitment’. Michaela’s commitment should never have been questioned as against my advice and wishes she also refused to go to weddings, our family holidays had to be cut short and Michaela also abstained from many social nights of celebrations, so that her GAA would not suffer and her commitment would never be questioned,” said Mrs Newell.
At the time, Mrs Newell suggested that Michaela may have been dropped due to her soccer commitments. Michaela is on the Monaghan United Ladies Soccer Team, which won the National Intermediate Cup Final on Sunday September 21.
Mayor of Clones, Niall Quigley described the news as “very disappointing” and said the young player showed great commitment to her sport. Cllr Ross Mealiff said it was sad to see a young player dropped before a big game. “I don’t think she lacked commitment. It’s sad to see.” Cllr Deirdre Kelly also concurred with this view, describing the incident as “bitterly disappointing” for Michaela.
The council also paid tribute to the team for reaching the All-Ireland final.