A sports news website released a statement after RTÉ GAA pundit Ursula Jacob accused him of including ‘nasty and tasteless’ comments about her in an article.
enchwarmers recently published an article with the title “Ursula Jacob comes to hammer on the board of the Sunday game”.
It included an embedded tweet and two Facebook comments, which the former Wexford camogie player described as obnoxious and personal.
Benchwarmers published an article today with the headline ‘Ursula Jacob hits back at online trolls’, and it said that all RTÉ pundits have come under heavy criticism on its website, whether male or women.
“While we probably shouldn’t give them wind, people are interested in comments online as well as on TV,” the article said.
“We apologize to Ursula or any of RTE’s experts whom we may have offended by reposting comments and opinions online that may have been negative for any of RTE’s panels.”
Ms Jacob said she was well aware that having a public platform brings criticism, but comments like these are “mean and personal”.
Writing on Twitter yesterday, she said: “Enough is enough.
“I usually never entertain and never give keyboard warriors an ounce of time or thought, but sometimes enough is enough and standing up for yourself is more important than just constantly putting up with nasty, tasteless comments from faceless cowards. .
“First of all, I’m a proud, proud Wexford woman, who also has a Wexford accent. Shock horror!
“I am and always will be proud of where I come from so I’m not going to start now or try to change my accent anytime soon.
“I am well aware that being on a public platform you are always open to debate and discussion, not everyone will always like you.
“I also have no problem with anyone disagreeing with the comments I make while working with RTE or on the Sunday game, it’s part and parcel of the job.
“What troubles me is an anonymous person or persons creating a page trying to create titles from scratch, facilitating nasty personal attacks and again targeting another expert or presenter.
“Have we seriously not just moved on or are we still stuck in the past?
“I have always been and will be proud of what I have achieved as a player, but I also know that I can support myself by working like an expert who knows both hurling and camogie.
“I’m not into symbolism or making numbers. I’m here because I have a voice and can give an informed and educated opinion.
“Fortunately for me, I’m a strong woman who has a brilliant support network who always supports me and who is super proud of me, but I would seriously encourage anyone who thinks of writing something nasty, tasteless or personal on someone on a social media platform to think before typing.
“At least I’m brave enough to stand up for myself on national television when a faceless coward has to hide behind a keyboard trying to promote nothing but pure nastiness and intimidation.
“But as my wise mother always told me ‘if they talk about you, they must be worried about you!’
“Finally, I would like to thank the overwhelming number of people who have continued to support me, their positivity will always be outside of the few narrow-minded individuals.”