Nemo to learn fate after Irish rugby controversy

NEMO RANGERS will learn this week what, if any, sanctions they will face over their decision to allow the Irish rugby team use their Trabeg facility earlier this year.

GAA chiefs called on the Cork County Board to investigate the circumstances which led to Declan Kidney’s squad training at the state-of-the-art grounds after a cold snap left their first-choice venue unplayable.

GAA regulations prohibit non-Association sports from using their facilities, with Rule 5.1 stating that: “All property including grounds, clubhouses, halls, dressing rooms and handball alleys owned or controlled by units of the Association shall be used only for the purpose of, or in connection with, the playing of games controlled by the Association.”

However Nemo insist that the Trabeg Sports Centre which hosted the rugby players is a “separate commercial operator” attached to the club and the session was not in contravention of GAA law.

GAA President Christy Cooney yesterday revealed that the matter will be dealt with soon.

He said: “There will be correspondence going out to Nemo very shortly. If it’s not gone, it’s due to go. Nemo will be the first to know exactly what is happening to them by the Cork County Board and it will be back to them after that.”

Nemo Rangers have not yet received any correspondence a club official reported last night.