‘It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it’ – Grealish on Golfgate

Noel Grealish has said that he had asked for the now infamous golf dinner in Connemara to be called off – but attended it anyway after satisfying himself that it would comply with public health advice.

The Galway West Deputy, who was captain of the Oireachtas Golf Society, has denied he organised last Wednesday’s dinner at the Station House in Clifden attended by 80 other guests, even though his signature, alongside that of Society President, former Fianna Fáil TD for Westmeath Donie Cassidy, appeared on the invitations.

The former leader of the Progressive Democrats, now an Independent TD, who voted for Micheál Martin as Taoiseach, has apologised for attending the dinner but has resisted calls to step down from the Dáil.

In an interview with the Galway City Tribune, Deputy Grealish confirmed he has resigned from the Oireachtas Golf Society, and has backed moves by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl for it to be disbanded.

The Carnmore politician said he was sorry for attending an event that “in hindsight should not have gone ahead” – he has vowed to co-operate fully with Gardaí who are investigating alleged breaches.

A Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána is investigating an event that was held in Co. Galway on the August 19, 2020 into alleged breaches of The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.3) Regulations 2020, as amended. As this is an active investigation, An Garda Síochána has no further comment.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.