Kerry club Pearses left shocked by ‘severe’ ban

Dromid Pearses have been banned from representing Kerry at provincial and national level for three years.

Arising from ugly incidents in last month’s All-Ireland JFC semi-final against Derrytresk, the club received the punishment by the Central Hearing Committee (CHC) in Dublin on Friday night, where they also had their €2,000 fine halved.

Their suspension from representing Kerry in any provincial or All-Ireland club championship has shocked the club, who are almost certain to appeal the CHC’s decision.

Club chairman Mike Sheehan said the level of penalty was harsh.

“I assume we will be appealing but we have no official recommendation yet,” he said. “We have to schedule a club meeting. It does seem severe enough.”

The treatment of Dromid Pearses is in line with what the CHC dished out to Derrytresk, who have been banned from representing Tyrone in the Ulster and All-Ireland club championships for the next five years.

They are in the process of appealing their five-year suspension while Dromid Pearses will consult with Killarney-based solicitor Padraig O’Connell before taking their next step.

Pearses will likely follow Derrytresk and take their case to the GAA’s Central Appeals Committee, but also have the option of the Disputes Resolution Authority, which would rule a binding decision.

Whether they can afford to do that remains to be seen as Sheehan has already said they would have struggled to pay the original €2,000 fine.

None of the club’s three players will appeal their proposed personal bans. Donal O’Sullivan will serve a three-month ban, Denis ‘Shine’ O’Sullivan will serve his eight-week suspension and Colm O’Connor will accept his ban of four weeks.