Cork clubs to appeal fines imposed over brawl

GLEN ROVERS and Bride Rovers are set to appeal the heavy fines imposed by the Cork County Board following the brawl involving the two clubs in their second-round clash in the Cork senior hurling championship last month.

There were unruly scenes when Glen Rovers defeated the east Cork outfit on June 27, with players, substitutes and mentors involved in a lengthy row when the game was deep in first-half injury time. The Glen won the game, 3-23 to 1-17, to progress to the next round, while Bride Rovers face a relegation dogfight to preserve their senior status for 2011.

The board is understood to have proposed a fine of €7,500 for both clubs and two-month suspensions for a player on each side.

The clubs are unhappy with the proposed fines and feel it is unduly punitive, with sources pointing to the €5,000 fine levied on the Cork County Board after the ‘Semplegate’ row involving the Cork and Clare hurlers in Thurles in 2007. Both clubs have avoided the ultimate sanction of expulsion from the competition.

Last night’s Evening Echo Cork championship fourth round draws saw Glen Rovers paired with St Finbarr’s, while Bride Rovers will face Carrigtwohill if they win their third-round clash against Blarney. Champions Newtownshandrum face either Cloyne or Blackrock, while 2008 winners Sarsfields take on Killeagh.

In senior football, the glamour fourth-round tie involves champions Clonakilty taking on 2007 beaten finalists Ilen Rovers in a West Cork clash. Last year’s beaten finalists St Finbarr’s will play O’Donovan Rossa, championship favourites Nemo Rangers are up against last year’s premier intermediate winners Valley Rovers, while the meeting of Castlehaven and Ballincollig is another highlight.