Dempsey lashes pace of GAC investigation

FORMER Westmeath boss Luke Dempsey has hit out at the pace of the investigation into the controversial incident that left county defender Kenny Larkin with a broken jaw last May.

The young star clashed with Down’s James McCartan in a challenge match and suffered extensive jaw damage back when Dempsey was in charge.

Dempsey noted how Larkin, a trainee garda at the time, was forced to drink through a straw for weeks afterwards and had metal plates inserted into his chin to correct a badly broken jaw.

The GAC interviewed McCartan back in September, over three months after the initial incident, and have yet to release their findings.

In an unprecedented development McCartan was also confronted by plain clothes gardaí on the night as a civil case is being taken against himMcCartan.

If the case goes to court, as it is expectedto, then Larkin is likely to have a nervous few weeks or even and even months ahead awaitingas he awaits closure on the issue.

“The sooner it’s dealt with the better because the player is what’s important in all of this,” said Dempsey.

“Personally I feel it could have been dealt with quicker in terms of a GAC meeting taking place months after the incident. I know myself that there was a lot of hurt for the player and his family and they just want to get all of this behind them as quickly as possible.”

Another Westmeath football source described the incident as ‘absolutely outrageous’ and hit out at the GAC who still have not made their findings known, nearly two months after McCartan’s Croke Park hearing.

GAA President Sean Kelly confirmed that the association have been in contact with the Gardaí about the issue and hope it will be over as soon as possible.

“It’s a very unfortunate incident for the player and everyone involved,” said Kelly. “The fact that the Gardaí are also involved is a unique situation. Obviously we’re on new territory with a lot of this and I would hope that it’s a once off.”

Meanwhile, Dempsey revealed his surprise that Larkin has been named at corner-back to face Dublin in a challenge game for the opening of a new club pitch at St Jude’s on Sunday.

“I have to admit I am a bit surprised to see that he’s been named,” said Dempsey, who will name his Leinster Railway Cup semi-final panel this afternoon. “He may not play a full game.”