Irish cricketer faces disciplinary action over Thatcher tweet

Cricket Ireland may still take disciplinary action against international all-rounder John Mooney despite the player's apology today over tweets he made in the aftermath of the death of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher on Monday afternoon.

A tweet appearing on Mooney's account shortly after Thatcher's death that read "I hope it was slow and painful" was later removed along with a number of others, with Cricket Ireland issuing a brief statement on their website on Monday night distancing itself from the comments made by Mooney.

The 31-year-old North County player tweeted an apology at lunchtime today.

It read: "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!"

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom talked to Mooney on Monday night, and said today that the all-Ireland body may still take disciplinary action against the player despite his apology.

"I think we need to look at it. Irrespective of the fact that John has apologised it doesn't remove the fact that there will be a significant number of people who have been offended by his comments and it doesn't mean that because he has apologised no further action will be taken," said Deutrom.

"There is a specific clause within all of our player contracts referring to conduct by players, referring to public comment by players, whether it be on websites or their own Twitter accounts, social media and their responsibilities.

"Irrespective of whether they are operating as an individual, on the field of play or wearing a Cricket Ireland top or a Cricket Ireland blazer or they are acting in their own individual capacities, they at all times have to act as ambassadors for Irish cricket, for their team-mates, for themselves and for their country."