All-Ireland-winning Mayo Masters captain John Pat Sheridan has blasted GAA rulers for the decision to scrap the over-40s competition.

Mayo overcame Tyrone in Abbeylara, Co Longford last December to lift the title for the third time in four years.

However, a motion to have the competition recognised as an official GAA championship came to nothing earlier this year, and the Association have responded by scrapping the tournament in favour of "recreational, non-contact" games.

But speaking to the Mayo News, an angry Sheridan hit back, "The next time you hear the GAA talking about the grassroots you can take it with a pinch of salt. The gap between them and us is getting wider and wider all the time.

"The competition has been here since 1990 and caters for anyone who wants to play Masters football. Nobody has ever been turned away. The vast majority of the Mayo over-40s squad have never worn a county jersey, including myself."

In a jibe at the explanation of a GAA spokesperson, who declared that the competition had served the interests of a "small elite", Sheridan continued, "I resent being called an elite player. The GAA, for me, is about participation, involvement and enjoyment." Tweet

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