John Mooney issues apology over Margaret Thatcher tweet

Ireland all-rounder John Mooney has apologised for posting a tweet claiming that he hoped former prime minister Margaret Thatcher's death was "slow and painful".

Thatcher, who served as prime minister for 11 years from 1979, died on Monday following a series of strokes.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom called Mooney's comments "crass, insensitive and offensive".

"I would like to apologise to anyone that I upset with my tweets - I realise now that they were offensive to many and I have deleted them," Mooney said.

The Premier League and Football League have confirmed that clubs will not be asked to pay tribute to Baroness Thatcher.