Two get lifetime bans from ladies football

TWO men have been banned for life from ladies football following a probe into serious incidents which marred a ladies Gaelic football match in Tyrone.

Referee Simon Brady and Tyrone county board chairman Martin Conway were both knocked unconscious after being assaulted following the county’s senior championship final between St Macartan’s and Carrickmore last month.

One of the pair handed lifetime bans by the Tyrone Ladies GFA was a member of the Carrickmore team management. A substantial fine was also imposed on the Carrickmore club.

A statement from the Tyrone Ladies GFA did not name either individual or give details of the fine imposed.

“An individual, reportedly a Carrickmore supporter, was identified as the person who allegedly assaulted match referee Simon Brady.

“The county board issued him with a lifetime ban from any involvement in or with Ladies Gaelic football, this includes attendance at Ladies fixtures in the future. He was not a member of the Ladies GFA,” said the statement.

“A second individual, confirmed as part of the Carrickmore management team and a member of the Ladies GFA, was identified as the person who allegedly assaulted the Tyrone Ladies GFA chairman Martin Conway.

“Once again a life ban was imposed in accordance with the Ladies football official guide. The Carrickmore club were also handed a substantial fine.”

The GFA added that it had received a statement from the Carrickmore club condemning the incidents and wishing the two injured parties a speedy recovery.

“The Tyrone ladies GFA commended those who carried out and assisted with the investigation, they thanked both clubs for the manner in which they cooperated fully with the inquiry.” The statement added: “It has been a difficult time for the Ladies game in Tyrone but the focus now is on pulling together ahead of Sunday’s Ulster senior ladies football final, with Tyrone up against Monaghan at Clones.”