Kildare and Sligo in high-profile clash over team list

KILDARE and Sligo county boards look to be heading for another high-profile confrontation with accusations being matched by counterclaims.

The Connacht side had last week questioned the Lilywhites’ team list for the recent NFL in Markievicz Park which the visitors won by a point.

They argued that it was not filled in correctly, and have asked the GAC in Croke Park to examine the matter.

Kildare officials are currently studying information which has come to light over the weekend from North American Board sources concerning the eligibility of Sligo’s Gary Maye.

The O’Curry’s man took part in the recent tie against the Leinster men, but it now appears that Maye who spent the summer playing football in North America, did not have his transfer in order on returning to Ireland.

Maye allegedly travelled to America without a transfer and played a number of games, and then returned to Ireland where he resumed his playing career. If that is the case he would have been illegal to play at home.

Kildare secretary Richie Whelan said his county board would be holding a meeting at the weekend to consider their options in the matter.

“It’s a pity what I perceive to be a relatively trivial breach of the team list regulations should be taken up with the GAC,” he said.

The rule governing the team list says 24 players names must be filled in and the first 15 are deemed to be the team that starts.

It remains to be seen what action if any Kildare will take on the Maye situation, but if they ask the Croke Park authorities to investigate the case it could have major repercussions for both the player and his county.

Last year the two counties were at loggerheads regarding the playing of six substitutes by Kildare in the corresponding NFL game which ended in a draw. Following protests by Sligo, they were awarded the two points by the GAC.

Meanwhile Dublin’s new hurling manager Marty Morris is adamant that his primary objective is to avoid relegation from Division 1 of the NHL.

Despite Sunday’s seven-point defeat at the hands of the Conor Hayes-managed Galway, Morris believes his aim is achievable. And he is banking on the return of David Sweeney and Stephen Perkins to help him achieve that.

“I know how committed Stephen is and his return with David has given us more options. They will be a tremendous boost for both are very talented players.”

But the new Dublin boss, still has plenty of concerns before the league resumes in a fortnight.

“Derek Reilly’s hamstring injury is slow to respond to treatment and it also looks as if David O’Callaghan could miss out on much of the season having damaged the tendon and nerve in his right hand,” said Morris.