Irish cricketer John Mooney has been banned for three games for tweeting offensive remarks about the later Margaret Thatcher. Cricket Ireland today announced Mooney has been “severely reprimanded” and will miss the ODI game against Pakistan, in addition to the Leinster Lightning Inter-Provincial games against Northern Knights on May 6, and North West Warriors on May 14-16.

Mooney had previously apologised for the tweets: “I would like to apologise to anyone that I upset with my tweets yesterday regarding the death of Margaret Thatcher.
“I realise now that they were offensive to many and have deleted them. I’d like to assure my family, friends, employers and… team-mates that I have learned a very valuable lesson and in future will stick to focusing on my game!”

Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland Chief Executive said: “John accepted that the tweet was offensive and inappropriate. We took into consideration the fact that he issued a fulsome and swift apology and that he is genuinely remorseful for his action. However given the breach of his contract and nature of the tweet, we felt it appropriate that a three match sanction be imposed. We have also severely reprimanded John and reminded him of his duties and responsibilities as a high profile international cricketer.”

Image: Ireland's John Mooney ©INPHO/Barry Chambers