THE GAA’S Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) will meet this afternoon to review incidents from Sunday’s National Hurling League final between Kilkenny and Tipperary – with the strong possibility that certain players from both teams could be facing further disciplinary action.
Match referee John Sexton issued four yellow cards during the game, to Kilkenny’s Martin Comerford, Henry Shefflin and Michael Kavanagh, and to Tipperary’s Declan Fanning, and while those particular incidents may be deemed as already “dealt with” there is no shortage of further clashes that weren’t addressed by Sexton either because they weren’t seen, or were only seen for what they were on video evidence.
The CCCC was reformed last month under new GAA president Christy Cooney, with Tyrone’s Séamus Woods taking over as chairman from Wicklow’s Jimmy Dunne – and this represents the first litmus of how they are likely to deal with such matters.
They are two ways the CCCC can pursue particular incidents on the basis of video evidence; they can consult with the match referee, before he signs off on his report, to determine if he is happy with his original decision; or they can single out other incidents purely on the basis of video evidence.
As things stand, there won’t be any further disciplinary action as there were no red cards shown on the day, but that could all change if the CCCC decide to pursue the various incidents on the basis of them meriting more severe punishment, or on the basis of them not being caught at all by the referee.
Tipperary substitute Hugh Maloney and Kilkenny’s Eddie Brennan both received ticks for what may have been more serious offences, and similarly, Kilkenny’s Tommy Walsh escaped with a ticking for throwing his hurl, an offence which usually carries a minimal yellow card.
Meanwhile, the GAA’s 125th anniversary celebrations take on a club focus this weekend with the staging of the Lá na gClub – a day dedicated to club activities and events.
GAA president Christy Cooney has called on members throughout the country to engage with their local clubs on Sunday, encouraging them to organise events within their communities which underline their importance to their respective areas.
A variety of different initiatives have been organised by units with a special emphasis on games, culture and community on a day when no club fixtures have been scheduled.
“Our home club is where it begins for us all and for that reason it occupies a special place in us all,” said Cooney. “It’s where we are first introduced to the games and it very quickly assumes a badge of identity that in many cases comes second only to our family allegiances.
“Sunday is all about highlighting the incredible work that our clubs do in every community in Ireland.”
The charity GOAL is also hoping GAA members will celebrate Lá na gClub by raising funds for those affected by the loss of an entire generation in Uganda, due to the ravages of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. For more information see www.goal.ie or contact rscully@wi.goal.ie
Eoin Kelly and Ollie Moran gave Tipperary and Limerick pre-championship boosts last night as they lined out for their counties for the first time this year.
Kelly came on for Tipperary while Limerick’s Moran started a senior hurling challenge, which Tipperary won by 2-21 to 1-22, to mark the opening of Hannon Park, the home of Lattin-Cullen. Kelly had not featured for Tipperary since last year’s All-Ireland semi-final due to a back problem while Moran has had a knee injury.
