30 July 1997
A poaching row is blowing up between two Connaught Senior League clubs in Mayo. Members of Castlebar Celtic are annoyed over reports that three of their players have been asked to join Straide & Foxford United.
They claim that Keith Burke, Fintan McHale and Sean Reilly have been approached to sign for United next season.
The manager of Straide & Foxford United, Gerry Coleman, said he was not aware of any attempt by the club to poach players from Castlebar Celtic.
"There is a lot of different speculation this time of the year, but a lot of it is true.
"I can confirm that a Celtic player spoke with a member of our team with a view towards joining Straide & Foxford. But that was as far as it went.
"We are always interested in sighing the best of available talent, just as Castlebar Celtic are. But there is no question of us poaching players."
