Cork could be stripped of title if found guilty of infringing subs rule
Cork used six substitutes during their runaway triumph over Tipperary, one a blood replacement for centre back Ronan McCarthy. Under rule, no more than twenty players can participate on any team over the 70 minutes.
The ball is now firmly in the hands of the Munster Council, under whose control yesterday’s game was staged, and if they decide that Cork infringed the rules the new champions could be disqualified or Tipperary could be granted a replay.
It was learned last night that Tipperary will not formally lodge an objection and that Cork coach Larry Tompkins was informed by the fourth official on duty that he was entitled to a sixth sub as Noel O’Donovan, who came on for a period of three minutes for the injured Ronan McCarthy was considered to be a blood substitution.
The irony is that there was no earthly reason in the world for Cork to use six subs as they were cantering to victory following Philip Clifford’s goal in the third minute after the re-start.
Cork were leading by 1-19 to 0-5 when all at once in the 52nd minute John Miskella, Miceal O´ Crónin and Colin Crowley were sprung from the bench as direct replacements for Eoin Sexton, Brendan Jer O’Sullivan and Philip Clifford. Then in the 56th minute goalkeeper Kevin O’Dwyer gave way to Alan Quirke.
Two minutes later centre back Ronan McCarthy dashed to the sideline to have an injury attended to. He was replaced by Noel O’Donovan. Then McCarthy came back three minutes later and seconds after his return Diarmuid O’Sullivan replaced inspirational captain Colin Corkery.
In last season’s AIB All-Ireland club championship Na Fianna of Dublin introduced six substitutes during their Leinster championship clash with Sarsfields of Kildare. Sarsfields, who were defeated, did not formerly object, but the game was ordered to be replayed.
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