Counties ponder challenge over delay to reinstate replays
The Irish Examiner understands a number of the province’s county boards have raised questions about Ard Chomhairle’s right to postpone the Wexford and Kildare motion, which was passed in Congress on Saturday.
GAA president Christy Cooney explained afterwards the decision had been made as fixtures were already set in place for the remainder of this year. However, the legitimacy of Central Council’s action could be countered.
Wexford chairman Ger Doyle, whose board proposed and introduced the motion, refused to confirm if the county will challenge the decision.
“I know that the majority of motions usually come into force a month after Congress,” said Doyle.
“There is one championship game within that time with Roscommon playing New York but there’s provision already in that game for extra-time because of the distance.
“I don’t want to make a comment until I’ve studied the rules further but I’m a bit more annoyed with the motion about the hooter/clock.
“The motion was passed at last year’s Congress but somebody else had the power to do away with it.”
A Wexford delegate was involved in an argument with Cooney on the floor about that motion, which was successful in Down last year, but was later dismissed because of the cost involved in introducing the initiative.
Wexford also took umbrage with Cooney’s decision not to allow them bring forward their joint-motion on replays earlier in the Clár to facilitate them in attending their U21s’ All-Ireland semi-final against Cavan in Parnell Park.
Doyle had discussed the matter with Cooney on Friday night when he was informed Congress would finish by 3.30pm and they would be able to make the 7pm throw-in in good time.
However, the Clár did not finish until after 5.30pm.
Realising their race against time, Wexford asked Cooney on the floor to have the motion heard as soon as possible but they were made to wait, delaying their departure for Dublin.
“We got to Parnell Park just about for the start of the match and that was only for (Dublin secretary) John Costello,” revealed Doyle. “He came out to meet us on the road and ushered us through with the help of the Gardaí.
“We didn’t even have a chance to write the nominated waterboys on the sheet as is the requirement.
“You had the chairman, the secretary, the Central Council delegate, the two Leinster Council reps... all the officers on board the bus. So help us God but if we had all been killed Wexford would need a new county board!
“I had approached Uachtarán about our motion on Friday night about bringing it forward and he said no. He said Congress would be over by 3.30pm.
“We made an oral request in Congress to have the motion heard earlier but the Uachtarán said no again and that’s his privilege.”
