Armagh GAA star James Morgan has hit out at “malicious” social media claims that he was unfaithful to his wife just one day after they were married.
The Crossmaglen Rangers and Orchard County defender has begun legal action after a website reported that he cheated on his new bride Shauna after the couple were married on December 15 last year.
Mr Morgan said he was disappointed that people would believe social media posts which included claims he committed adultery with one of his new wife’s best friends, that his honeymoon had been cancelled and that his marriage had been annulled.
The 32-year-old, who like his wife is a teacher, is well known in GAA circles across Ireland for his success with both club and county.
During a glittering career the south Armagh man, who is currently injured, has won 10 county championships, two Ulster titles and two All-Ireland medals with Crossmaglen.
In legal correspondence, Mr Morgan’s solicitor Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, said the damaging message circulated on WhatsApp and Snapchat was later referred to in an article by online sports news website, Benchwarmers.ie, although his client was not named.
Similar legal correspondence has also been sent to a named individual who it is alleged shared details of the message on social media.
Mr Morgan said that he became aware of the messages circulating online after returning from honeymoon last month.
“It has caused stress and anxiety for myself and my wife,” he told the Irish News.
“It has put unnecessary pressure on the marriage before it has even started.”
The GAA man said he was “disappointed that people would believe something like that”.
“I am disappointed that people would share information with someone without knowing the facts,” he said.
Mr Morgan believes those responsible should be held to account.
“I think people who write stuff on social media should be held accountable for what they write.”
“I think people should be held accountable for the malicious spreading of nasty stuff online, particularly if it’s untrue.”
His solicitor Darragh Mackin said the comments made about his client were particularly damaging.
“This is one of the most egregious attacks on a person’s character and private life that we have seen in recent times,” he said.
“This another example of social media being used as a weapon for hate.
“Those individuals who authored and gave credibility to these scurrilous allegations, will now be held accountable in court for their actions.”
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