Mullane to discover GAC verdict tonight

THE case involving Waterford hurler John Mullane is expected to be finalised tonight when the GAC announces its verdict.

An investigation was launched after a player from Kilkenny club Mullinavat received a serious injury in an under-21 challenge game against Mullane club

De La Salle, Waterford, The investigation was conducted by a special sub-committee and, as a result of their findings, Mullane was summoned to appear before last week’s meeting of the GAC.

Following this hearing, the GAC considered all the evidence and their findings will be revealed tonight.

It would be a severe blow to Waterford if Mullane is suspended, because he was one of the real forward gem’s unearthed during the course of last season’s championship.

Meanwhile, Kildare have yet to decide it they will appeal the GAC’s decision to deduct them the two points they collected by virtue of their one-point win over Sligo in the Allianz NFL.

The GAC awarded the points instead to Sligo, because they found that Kildare had contravened Rule 109 by submitting a list containing only 15 players, when in fact the Lily Whites played a total of 19 players on the occasion. The penalty for this is loss of the game.

Kildare PRO Kathleen O'Neill said yesterday that the county board would consider its options when they received official correspondence from Croke Park in relation to the matter.

Should Kildare decide to appeal, they would have two avenues open to them. They could bring the matter to the Management Committee or have their case heard by Central Council.

At the moment, Kildare, who are pointless after five games, are propping up the Division 1 B table and are in dire danger of being relegated.