Clare vow to defend Quinn

CLARE County Board yesterday vowed to launch a vigorous defence of Gerry Quinn if he is reported for striking Henry Shefflin in Saturday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final.

TV replays showed the Bannerman shoving the butt of his hurl through Shefflin's faceguard, causing damage to the Ballyhale man's right eye.

The former hurler of the year underwent surgery and is battling to be fit for Sunday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Waterford.

Clare chairman Michael McDonagh said that they will support their man "because in my view what happened to Shefflin was a pure accident".

McDonagh said the Semple Stadium incident was most regrettable.

"We in Clare admire Henry Shefflin and the Kilkenny team for what they have achieved. They have to be admired by the rest of the country as they chase a third All-Ireland title in a row," he said.

"We in Clare didn't want to see a player of Henry Shefflin's calibre being injured. What happened is that a right-handed and left-handed player contested a ball dropping out of the air. Shefflin came down with a facial injury. We are very sorry to see that happen. Gerry Quinn in my opinion didn't not deliberately go out, as suggested in certain media circles, to deliberate harm any Kilkenny player."

But he added that the injuries were not confined to the Cats' camp.

"Our players were after four very tough matches, Kilkenny after two, and they were very hard championship game, there is no denying that.

"However, Jamsie O'Connor was stitched, Brian Quinn was stitched, Gerry O'Grady is still suffering and Niall Gilligan was seen with blood flowing down his face after the game, yet there is little being made of those injuries. It was a tough, very physical championship match with a lot at stake and players will always pick up injuries in such situations."

McDonagh also expressed concern about the growing role which the media are playing in deciding the guilt - or otherwise - of a player involved in Gaelic Games incidents.

"Gerry Quinn in my book has been tried and convicted by television on Sunday night which is most unfortunate. I was very disappointed the way the incident was dealt with on the Sunday Game and by certain parts of the written media.

"I would like to wish Henry Shefflin a speedy recovery and I know that Gerry Quinn also does. There is no bad blood between the two players in question I can assure you.

"I'm sorry that the Quinn and Shefflin families have to go through this trial by media and I feel that the GAA must take this problem on board and rectify it.

"If there is a case to be answered, let the GAA handle it. Why should the analysts on a television programme be the people to try players.

"Clare people are very disturbed about what is happening. The bottom line here in Clare is, we'll defend Gerry Quinn to the hilt if needs be", McDonagh added.