Meath GAA official on how David Bowie vote sparked laughter at County Board meeting

A prank that went too far.

Meath County Board vice-chairman Peter O'Halloran has attempted to explain why the late David Bowie found his way into the county's votes of sympathy. On Monday of this week, as the world was absorbing the news of Bowie's death, the musician's name cropped up at a scheduled meeting of the board. O'Halloran noted the sympathy request for 'the Bowie family in London on the death of David'. His request was met with steadily building laughter until the prank was apparent. The vice-chairman told hoganstand.com that he was caught out and unwittingly read out the request. He said:

"It drew a short bout of laughing from the delegates before everyone realised it was a prank and the seriousness and reverance that is normally given to this part of a county committee meeting. "This is an item reserved for deceased Meath gaels who have given different levels of service to the GAA in Meath and is always given the respect it deserves. "I am sure Mr Bowie is entitled to a vote of sympathy but by the correct body and the correct manner."

O'Halloran continued, "I will do my best to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again and I am disappointed that a delegate took this action. "I have to admit that in the cold light of day I can't understand why someone would do this. It shows a deep lack of respect to Meath gaels and, indeed, to Mr Bowie also."