GAELIC GAMES: Kildare are about to face a fight against relegation in the Allianz Football League after it became clear yesterday that they are set to lose the point earned in last month's controversial draw with Sligo.
The Games Administration Committee (GAC) has concluded their investigation into the game of February 10th, where Kildare were deemed to have used six substitutes - one more than the allowed five.
At their meeting in Croke Park on Wednesday night, the GAC heard the report and recommendation of the three-man sub-committee set up to investigate the matter.
The GAC intend to make a final adjudication when they meet again next Tuesday night and, crucially, only Kildare have been invited to attend. Under the rulebook, they had to give Kildare three-days notice of a hearing that would result in disciplinary action taking place, so that they could personally appear to state their case if they so wish.
Unless Kildare present fresh evidence, it appears certain they will be dropped the point, and concede it to Sligo. That would leave them joint third from bottom on the league table, and having to win their remaining two games against Down and Clare to ensure they remain in Division One B.
All the evidence, however, now appears to be in. The Kildare County Board met with the three-man investigation committee earlier this month where they explained their side of the story. Part of their argument was that one Kildare player wore two different-numbered jerseys in the course of the game because the first jersey became bloodstained.
Further confusion on the matter arose when it was discovered that match referee Michael Hughes of Tyrone had only the names of three Kildare substitutions given to him by the stand-by official in the course of the game.
Yet, for more than two weeks now, the investigation has examined the evidence of both county boards. The three-man committee, which consisted of Cork delegate Bob Honohan, Cavan's Michael Greenan, and Kerry's Teddy O'Sullivan, also interviewed members of the national and local media that attended the game.
It was also revealed yesterday that Sligo were also making themselves available to attend next Tuesday's meeting, where they would present video evidence and witnesses if required.
Other disciplinary matters were decided by the GAC on Wednesday night. Kilkenny hurler John Hoyne received a two-week suspension after being sent-off in last Sunday's league game with Galway. Leitrim footballer CiaráMurray, Armagh hurler Brian Mallon and Donegal hurler Seán Murray all received four-week suspensions.
Down hurler Gerard Adair got a more severe 12-week suspension following his dismissal in the Division Two A game with Antrim on February 24th.
The GAC also confirmed that the Galway-Roscommon football game - postponed last Sunday because of the death of Roscommon panellist Gerard Grogan - will go ahead tomorrow in Hyde Park at 2.30 p.m..
Roscommon are out again on Monday for the re-fixed game against Westmeath, as well as the remaining two weekends of March 24th and 31st, but the county board agreed to the GAC's request to fulfil all games before the end of the month to avoid any deferment of the final league standings.Roscommon are staying with the same team as selected last week.
GAA's management committee also meet in Croke Park tomorrow to decide the exact strategy in relation to the implementation of the Strategic Review Committee.
Chairman Peter Quinn has already made it known that he wishes to see the report adopted in principle at next month's annual Congress, and then have counties put forward individual motions at a special congress.
Dublin, meanwhile, have stuck with the same team as defeated Carlow for tomorrow's Leinster under-21 football quarter-final with Longford in Parnell Park (2.30). The winners meet the winners of Kildare v Meath in the semi-final on April 7th.
DUBLIN (under-21 football v Longford): S Cluxton; N Kane, D Corcoran, D Murray; B Cahill, B Cullen, P Casey; D Magee, C Murphy; K Devine, S Walsh, L Óg Ó hÉineachain; A Brogan, G Smith, T Quinn.
