Tipp fight for share of football qualifier spoils
Croke Park yesterday announced more than €2 million of revenue from the qualifier system will be paid to counties who participated in this year’s hurling and football championships.
However, since Tipperary withdrew from the football qualifiers prior to their meeting with Fermanagh, Croke Park bosses ruled they were not entitled to any money. Tipperary say they were entitled to €37,000.
“We are disappointed we are not getting it,” Tipperary chairman Michael O’Brien admitted yesterday.
“We will be making a case to Croke Park in a bid to get the money.”
Tipperary have already received €35,000 from the hurling equivalent.
Meanwhile Kerry, who did not participate in the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers will not appeal the decision, said county chairman Sean Walsh.
Croke Park also announced that the losing semi-finalists in the hurling and football championships will each receive €20,000 towards their team holiday funds. The All-Ireland finalists will receive €80,000 each. The finalists in both hurling and football will also receive a Toyota car as part of the GAA’s sponsorship deal with the manufacturer.
A row is rumbling in Galway following the ill-tempered SHC quarter-final between Athenry and Loughrea.
Athenry officials are upset with the use of video evidence by Loughrea at a Galway GAC meeting. They claim they are entitled to the video for their defence, but that Loughrea possess the only copy.
Former Galway, Connacht and All-Ireland club champions Athenry issued a statement last night.
“Athenry GAA club wish to state that for the past two weeks we have been unable to obtain or see the video tape of the Loughrea v Athenry SHC game. Through no fault of Conroy Studios, who made the video of the game in the normal way, we have been prevented access to the tape by others. We are satisfied it was misused by people who had access to it in a way that was offensive to all our respected members and players.
“Athenry GAA club does not condone or tolerate foul play or any type of misconduct against officials, opposing team players or mentors. Again the club stands on its record and refutes totally media reports of off-the-ball and sideline rows in this game.
“It is not our club’s way or intention to hide behind rules and regulations.
“One of our players is deemed to have committed an offence by the Galway county board GAC, he will attend a GAC meeting provided the evidence against him is legally obtained and made available to him and the club in the normal way.”
The statement adds: “Our club regrets the injury to James Regan and again wishes him well.”
The matter is to be discussed by the Connacht Council and the Galway county board in the next 48 hours, with fines and disciplinary measures expected to be announced at the latter’s meeting tomorrow night.
However, both semi-finals are fixed to be played in Athenry on Sunday.
Athenry, who emerged victorious by a point from the bruising encounter, are scheduled to meet Gort (2.45pm), while champions and favourites Portumna will meet Turloughmore in the other semi-final at 4pm.
The GAA Management Committee in Wicklow has set up an investigation into a sideline brawl that marred the SHC final on October 3.
Carnew dethroned the champions Glenealy by 0-16 to 1-8.
The management committee met with club representatives on Monday night and the investigations committee will meet with match officials next week.
County chairman Mick Hagan has promised swift action and said that what happened in the final had no part to play in their association.
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