Political party buries the hatchet with Laois GAA manager

The Laois GAA senior football manager Justin McNulty has reached an agreement with the SDLP which saw him frozen out by the party for months over his decision to coach Laois.

It's emerged that Mr McNulty, who is a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, has had the whip restored by the second largest nationalist party in the six counties.

The Newry and Armagh MLA was suspended in February after a row with his party over attending a GAA game in Wexford on the day the Assembly reconvened for the first time in two years.

The Armagh man left Stormont before proceedings concluded and missed his party colleague Matthew O'Toole being confirmed as leader of the opposition. He made part of the journey to Wexford by helicopter.

His Laois charges would defeat Wexford and go on to be promoted from Division four of the Allianz National Football League. While Laois were knocked out of the Leinster Championship, McNulty led Laois to the final of the Tailteann Cup which they lost to Down. 

The 2002 All-Ireland winner was appointed by Laois GAA as its senior football manager last October at a time when the Assembly was collapsed. It was his second spell leading the O'Moore County.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood insisted his two roles of MLA and Gaelic football manager were "not compatible". However, the resolution has now been reached that will see Mr McNulty return to the SDLP Assembly team.

A party statement to the Irish News said: "Following a review, the SDLP has restored the whip to Justin McNulty MLA subject to the standard conditions expected of all party representatives. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Mr McNulty and his coach Ross Munnelly on the sideline for Laois in Croke Park. Pic: Sportsfile

"We look forward to welcoming Justin back to our team at the Assembly."

Mr Eastwood said: "My view has always been that it would be possible to resolve this. I am pleased that the whip has now been restored and look forward to working with Justin as a member of our team to deliver for the people of Newry and Armagh."

Mr McNulty did not comment immediately after being suspended. He spoke to the Irish Examiner about situation and combining the roles before the Tailteann Cup Final.

"It was a unique situation, it was a Saturday evening sitting of the Assembly which was just bizarre and I had to be in two places at the one time and the only way to make it work was to do what I had to do," said McNulty.

McNulty indicated that he was surprised by the coverage.

"It surprised me the level of interest in that dynamic," he said. "It was intriguing and fascinating in many ways."

The Laois coach also said he spoke to the late John O'Mahony about combining being both a GAA county coach and politician. Mr O'Mahony, who passed away this year, was a Fine Gael TD while also managing Mayo.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live has asked the politician and his party to comment.