Cricket Ireland has reached a verdict on the punishment for international cricketer John Mooney after he tweeted, “I hope it was slow in painful,” in reference to Margaret Thatcher’s death.

Mooney has been barred from competing in the next three games, next month’s ODI international against Pakistan in Clontarf, and matchups against the Northern Knights and West Warriors in the Leinster Lightning Inter-Provincial Games. 

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom explained, “John accepted that the tweet was offensive and inappropriate.  We took into consideration the fact that he issued a fulsome and swift apology and that he is genuinely remorseful for his action. However given the breach of his contract and nature of the tweet, we felt it appropriate that a three match sanction be imposed.”

Deutrom added, “We have also severely reprimanded John and reminded him of his duties and responsibilities as a high profile international cricketer.”

Mooney will be missed as he was the player of the year in 2010 and hit the winning runs in Ireland's victory over England in the World cup in 2011.