04/04/2018

Craig Gilroy Apologises Over Sexually Explicit Message

An Ireland and Ulster Rugby player has issued an apology for sending a sexually explicit message to a teammate.

Craig Gilroy said he was "deeply sorry" for the hurt his comment caused and he also took full responsibility.

Ulster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) also confirmed they were undergoing an internal review and Gilroy will not be available for selection for Ulster's next match.

Ulster and Ireland teammates Paddy Jackson, 26, and Stuart Olding, 25, were acquitted of raping the same woman at a house party in June 2016.

Part of the review will focus on a number of messages sent by the players in the wake of the incident.

Gilroy was not involved, however he sent one of the sexually explicit messages that featured in conversations outlined to the jury.

Gilroy posted on Twitter: "I would like to apologise unreservedly for any offence cause by the Whatsapp message I sent in June 2016.

"I would just like to clarify it was sent privately, not part of any group chat.

"Regardless, my comment was totally inappropriate and is not an accurate reflection of my beliefs nor Ulster Rugby's values.

"I take full responsibly for my actions and in future will ensure that language I use in private or public better reflects who I am and what I stand for. I am deeply sorry for the hurt my comment has caused. Craig."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 August 2013
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
19 April 2017
Three Ulster Rugby Players Named In British & Irish Lions Squad
Three Ulster Rugby players have been named in the British & Irish Lions squad. Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jared Payne have been included in the squad who are to tour New Zealand this summer. The trio are among 11 Ireland players selected by Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland.
16 April 2018
Paddy Jackson's And Stuart Olding's Contracts Revoked
The contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been revoked with "immediate effect" by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby. Last month, the two rugby players were unanimously acquitted of raping a woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
22 September 2009
UTV's Birthday To Be Celebrated
Viewers of Ulster Television are to get the chance to celebrate a major broadcasting milestone. This autumn, the channel celebrates 50 years of broadcasting - a birthday being officially marked on 31 October.