The GAA said in a statement after the sentence that the offences Michael Feeney was convicted of never had any connection with the GAA, but the association extended its "heartfelt sympathy to the victims".
The Department of Education declined to comment on the case. It did not make statements about individual court cases, a spokeswoman said. However, she pointed to the 33 pages of guidelines drawn up by the Department in 1991 for dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse.
Michael Feeney was a primary school teacher when the assaults occurred between 1957 and 1978. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said the court had decided three years was the appropriate sentence and that was a decision for the court. However, a spokeswoman added that the INTO regrets "the hurt and suffering caused to the victims".
In its statement the GAA pointed out that Feeney had been debarred from all GAA activities when the association became aware of the allegations against him.
"The association is certain that, based on its own guidelines and the legislation of the statutory authorities, it took every action possible expeditiously and effectively."
