GAELIC GAMES:CLUB OFFICIALS from both Derrytresk and Dromid Pearses will today make known their intended response to the lengthy suspensions and hefty fines arising from the mass brawl that marred their All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final in Portlaoise last Sunday week.
Both clubs were informed yesterday evening of the proposed penalties by the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC), who concluded their investigation into the fracas that developed before half-time.
As a result, eight of the Derrytresk team – four starting players, and four substitutes – have now been identified and reportedly handed average suspensions of two months, or collectively totalling 16 months. It has also been reported that the club has been fined €5,000 for bringing the game into disrepute, although the exact nature of this fine is not yet clear.
Dromid Pearses got off lighter, as anticipated, and have had three players suspended, for five months, two months and one month respectively. It is also understood that Dromid Pearses have been fined €2,000, again for bringing the game into disrepute, although this too has to be confirmed.
Both clubs called an emergency meeting last night to discuss whether to request a hearing with the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee, as is their right.
There is also the possibility of pursuing any discontent to the Central Appeals Committee. The eight Derrytresk players facing suspensions were also invited to attend the club meeting last night to outline their preferred response.
Clearly the punishments are of more pressing concern for Derrytresk, as they are due to face Clonbur of Galway in the All-Ireland Club JFC final on Sunday week in Croke Park, a fixture that was already confirmed by the GAA.
Given they could be down eight players – four starters and four substitutes – it appears inevitable that some hearing will be demanded.
The CCCC had summoned both clubs to Portlaoise on Monday night, part of the ongoing investigation that has also included the CCCC’s review of two separate pieces of video evidence last Thursday, plus the report of match referee Francis Flynn from Leitrim, as well as asking the clubs to help identify a number of individuals involved in the fracas.
Dromid Pearses club officials declined to comment last night, beyond confirming an emergency meeting was be taking place, and that the club would likely release a statement this morning.
Meanwhile, Kieran Donaghy will captain the Kerry team to face Dublin in Saturday’s Allianz Football League opener at Croke Park, a rematch of last year’s All-Ireland final.
With 2012 captain Colm Cooper unavailable due to club commitments – along with Eoin Brosnan and Kieran O’Leary – Donaghy will wear the captain’s armband in the full forward line, alongside newcomer James O’Donoghue, and Barry John Keane.
Marc and Tomás Ó Sé feature as part of a relatively familiar defence, although Brian Maguire gets his chance at wing back, while Paul Galvin will start in the half-forward line alongside Darran O’Sullivan and Seán O’Sullivan, who came out of retirement this year to rejoin the county set-up.
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has lost the services of young forward Mark McHugh for their League opener against Down on Saturday night. McHugh has been ruled out with an abductor muscle injury.
