St Patrick’s Ballyragget GAA club are the centre of a lewd photo scandal after the club won the Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship last weekend.

Photographs and videos of what appeared to be sex acts were taken at a private event celebrating the club's post-match celebrations on Tuesday night.

Independent.ie contacted St Patrick’s Ballyragget GAA Club for comment.

“St Patrick’s club wishes to state the photographs were taken at a private event," said Club Secretary John Glennon.

"The club will co-operate fully into any investigation into the matter.”

Ballyragget won the Intermediate Hurling Championship with a 1-19 to 2-10 victory over Graigue Ballycallan at Nowlan Park last Sunday.

The win will promote to club to the senior grade for the 2018 season.

Ned Quinn, chairman of the Kilkenny County Board, said that the committee will be launching an investigation into the incident tonight and that the pictures had not emanated from a club function per se, but rather a private function.

A spokesperson from the Ballyragget board also said that the club will have their own meeting over the coming days to assess the matter.

Former five-time Kilkenny All-Ireland winner D.J. Carey said that the photographs and videos were disappointing, but that blame should be placed on the individuals and not the club.

"I am surprised and disappointed, something like this shouldn't happen," said Carey.

"But I can't see it being the club's fault – I can see as an individual's fault who plays with the club.

"I would say the club is quite embarrassed about it. If players are into that sort of thing so be it, but there should be no cup involved and they should not be doing it in the name of the club or the GAA.

"If that tickles your fancy, that's up to you - I'm not going to be the moral standing ground for anyone.

"I'm sure it's a bit of craic – everyone to their own, enjoy whatever you enjoy.

"I haven't seen [the images] so I can't comment much, if lads are celebrating it's fine but a cup definitely shouldn't be involved."

Online Editors