OâMahony is an awful prick.
Ireland rugby star Peter OâMahony has made a video apologising to an under-15 rugby team and their parents for his choice of words in a brief pep talk to a rival team.
The Munster captain made a WhatsApp video wishing success to UL Bohemians players who were facing Garryowen in the North Munster U15 League Final last Sunday.
Although he spoke for just 11 seconds, his words included a derogatory description of the Garryowen players and remarks about his past feelings about the Limerick club.
The video was reported on Monday morning to the executive committee of Garryowen Football Club. They expressed âdeep concern about the inappropriateness of the commentsâ and several meetings and telephone calls took place.
The Munster star, who captains his side in the European Champions Cup against Wasps in Coventry today, immediately apologised.
Audrey Coffey, chairperson of Garryowenâs under-age section, wrote a letter on Tuesday to the young players and their parents outlining OâMahonyâs apology.
She stated: âThe president of Garryowen received a phone call from Peter OâMahony in which he expressed his sincere remorse and apologies for the video and the effect that it has had on our U15s, their coaches, their parents, and the wider club. He undertook to do his part to try to redress that.
âPeter has made a second video, which was received this evening, in which he apologises for the first video
"This video will be shown to parents and players before training on Friday evening. In addition to the video, following discussion with the Garryowen president, Peter OâMahony has also agreed to write to the club and meet the U15 players in person, in the near future.
âUL Bohemians have also been in contact and they have also apologised for the video⌠We hope these actions by Peter as an apology will bring this matter to its conclusion.â
She added that Garryowenâs standards have always included respect for opponents and âon this occasion, that standard was not met by others outside our clubâ.
Fiona Murphy, head of communications for Munster Rugby, said: âWe understand the matter was concluded last week with Garryowenâs acknowledgement and acceptance of Peterâs direct apology and explanation to the club.
âAs always, we are hugely grateful to all our clubs, players and volunteers for their ongoing effort and commitment to the game, so there is no issue there.â