CRICKETER John Mooney has been suspended for three games over his comments following the death of Margaret Thatcher.

The Ireland all-rounder will miss Leinster Lightning�s first two interpros, plus the first of Ireland�s two ODIs against Pakistan next month.

Mooney had tweeted that he hoped Mrs Thatcher�s death was �slow and painful� shortly after it was announced two weeks ago.

The North County star was �severely reprimanded� by CricketIreland and was not available for comment.

The day after his tweet he returned to the social network to comment:

�I would like to apologise to anyone that I upset with my tweets yesterday regarding the death of Margaret Thatcher.

�I realise now that they were offensive to many and have deleted them.

�I�d like to reassure my family, friends, employers and team mates that I have learned a very valuable lesson and in future will stick to focusing on my game!�

Mooney was found to be in breach of clause eight of his Cricket Ireland contract which prohibits players from any public statements which it considers �denigrates, is derogatory, or is prejudicial to the interests of cricket; or is of a nature which brings the game of cricket or Cricket Ireland into disrepute.�

CricketIreland CEO Warren Deutrom said: �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.

�We have also severely reprimanded John and reminded him of his duties and responsibilities as a high profile international cricketer.�

Mooney will miss the first ODI against Pakistan in Clontarf on 23 May, and the Leinster Lightning games against Northern Knights on 6 May, and North West Warriors on 14-16 May.