Cloonan brothers blow for Athenry

GALWAY star Eugene Cloonan could miss Athenry’s All-Ireland club hurling final against James Stephens.

The GAC are to study video evidence of an off-the-ball incident involving the full-forward in the semi-final victory over Toomevara.

If he is suspended, it will be a double blow not just for the Connacht men, but for the Cloonan family.

Croke Park yesterday confirmed that Eugene’s brother, full-back Diarmuid, will miss the St Patrick’s Day decider following his weekend’s dismissal.

Athenry manager Billy Caulfield was unaware of that development.

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it. The club thought that the ban didn’t apply to the club championship, he said.

“It’s a bit unfair when you view the incident. From observations, nothing untoward went on between the two players concerned, but obviously the referee saw it differently.

“It’s not in keeping with the club championship for players to miss out on the biggest day in a club’s history.

“The club will wait on whatever comes from Croke Park before making any further comment.

“I know absolutely nothing about Eugene, but it is totally unfair on amateur players being constantly put under the microscope.”

Diarmuid Cloonan received a straight red from referee Aodán MacSuibhne against Toomevara which means a minimum one month’s suspension plus a one match ban in the same competition.

Croke Park spokesman Fergal McGill explained: “If Diarmuid Cloonan receives a one month’s suspension, it would end on March 13, but because the club championship is classed as inter-county, the rule states a player sent off in an inter-county game must also serve a one match ban”, he said.

Meanwhile, the GAA remain confident there can be no match fixing of their games, in the aftermath of a scandal which rocked German soccer.

Last month German referee Robert Hoyzer admitted to fixing four matches for financial gain.

GAA officials are satisfied something similar could not happen here.

“It is something we take very seriously,” said McGill. “Bookmaking is not permitted on Association property under Rule 46.”

“The sporting and bookmaking community is fairly small in this country so any irregularity would quickly become apparent.”