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.