Sligo offer Kildare a lifeline with re-fixture plan

SLIGO have offered an olive branch to Kildare in the controversy that has erupted over their league game, when Sligo, rather than the victorious Lily-whites, were awarded the points for a discrepancy in the team-sheet.

Sligo chairman Joe Queenan wrote to the Games Administration Committee last week, saying Sligo would be willing to participate in a re-fixture in Markevicz Park. Results since the game have made the docked points crucial to a struggling Kildare side.

“It is something we have put on the table. Of course, it is out of our hands now. It is whatever Croke Park decide to do,” said Queenan. The Kildare county board have written to the GAC asking for their case to be heard.

“If Kildare win their appeal, then this offer doesn’t matter. But, it is up to the management committee. Sligo want to win the points on the field of play, not anywhere else.”

Sligo lodged the original complaint, which led to the GAC investigating the Kildare team-sheet and docking the Leinster side the points because of a technical over-sight. Queenan said the Sligo county board have apologised to the Kildare counter-parts for the subsequent furore.

Should the GAC agree to a re-fixture, it will be a real basement battle. Kildare are currently anchored to the foot of Division 1B, with their survival currently out of their hands. Even if they beat Laois on Sunday week, they must hope Sligo lose to Cavan.

Queenan said yesterday he had yet to hear back from Croke Park on the issue. The Management committee are believed to be meeting this week to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, Kieran McDonald can’t stay out of the news - beaten All Ireland Club SFC finalists Crossmolina are now facing a €1,100 fine because their star attacker failed to conform to the proper dress code for the Club championship semi final and final.

Crossmolina have been slapped with a €550 fine after McDonald wore the wrong colour socks in the semi-final against the Meath champions Dunshauglin.

The Mayo County Board only recently informed the club of the fine which was imposed by the GAC in Croke Park.

In the All-Ireland club final against Nemo Rangers nine days ago, McDonald again didn’t wear the correct colour socks and one can presume a similar fine will again be imposed on the defeated finalists.

While Club PRO JP Hughes confirmed a fine had been imposed for a breach of rule in the semi-final, he refused to make any further comment, other than to say it will be dealt with at the next week’s monthly meeting.

McDonald is likely to be out of action for a week or two after he damaged a toe during the course of the Club final.