Antrim GAA got embroiled in a twitter row following the reappointment of Frank Dawson as senior football manager on Monday night.

Saffron fans and some former players voiced their displeasure at the decision on the social media site and the official Antrim GAA account (@ClubAontroma) didn't take the criticism standing down.

'Some of the comments in relation to management appointments were way over the top. People need to take a look at themselves #gaanotsoccer'.

But the abuse didn't stop there and a later tweet - which has since been deleted - added: 'And if it needs saying, anyone (else) replying telling me to F*** off or F*** up, or calling me a c*** will be blocked. Obviously.'

County secretary Frank Quinn confirmed to the Irish Daily Star that the county's Twitter account is run by PRO Brendan Mulgrew and, regarding Dawson's reappointment for a second term, added: "One club returned one nomination (for the senior football job).

"That individual withdrew his name when I contacted him, so we were left with what we had.

"What do you do? People will sit in the background and criticise but nobody wanted the job in the first place, and nobody will come and put their name forward.

"Frank and Kevin Ryan (hurling boss) wanted to stay on. The clubs were given from the last County Committee in July until August 5 to nominate."

Quinn also hit back at claims the County Board should have head-hunted their managers.

"It (nominations) would always be generated through the clubs.

"Do these people understand what they are saying, what is x, y and z going to cost you (for their managerial set-up).

"While people on some of these web sites and twitter are criticising Frank, who going to take on the mantle?"

St Galls' CJ McGourty was one of a number of past players who outlined his opposition to Dawson getting the job in a series of tweets.

'Why could Antrim not of searched for manager such as Peter The Great, Geezer, Mikey Linden someone Young and a success background.

'What about Graham Geraghty, Trevor Giles, Sean Boylan, Paddy Crozier, @Shamrocksabu, (Adrian McGuckin) Rory Gallagher to manage Antrim. You need to ask people.

'Not even interested in development of players and games tick box exercise for them.

'County Board should be going and getting someone.

'A County with no development plan 2 try and win minor and U21 games or championships and a County that are happy as things are'. Tweet

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