Derrytresk and Dromid officials meet CCCC

Derrytresk and Dromid Pearses officials last night returned to Portlaoise to meet with members of the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).

The meeting was described as “informal” but will form part of the investigation into the scenes that marred last Sunday week’s All-Ireland JFC semi-final between the clubs in O’Moore Park.

It’s understood the clubs were brought together by the CCCC in an attempt to ascertain the ugly scenes captured on video. The GAA’s disciplinary body had asked the clubs to help identify a number of individuals involved in the fracas.

The CCCC have yet to make any decision on what, if any, proposed punishment will be handed down to the clubs and/or their members.

GAA clubs have been warned they risk difficulties with damage claims if they do not follow necessary procedures to protect their property.

Over €2m was paid out to clubs in 2010 for damage to property with approximately €1.6m released last year.

Premiums and excesses are on the rise and, as the weather is expected to turn colder this week, the GAA is determined to ensure clubs are taking measures to help avoid damage.

A memo from the GAA’s insurance department in Croke Park released this week stated: “The Met Office is predicting winds etc from Siberia, hail, rain and sleet with potential freezing temperatures for the coming week. Can all clubs please ensure they have taken adequate precautions to protect their property. Clubs who do not take adequate precautions to protect and check properties may face difficulty in submitting a claim for damages. ”

Meanwhile, the Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup final has been provisionally re-fixed for Friday, February 17 in Portlaoise (7.30pm).

Sunday’s decider between Kildare and DCU was called off due to a waterlogged pitch in St Conleth’s Park.

The council’s Competitions Control Committee are still weighing up the possibility of proposing a suspension for Dublin forward Diarmuid Connolly. TG4 footage appeared to show Connolly’s knees making contact with Kildare defender Ciarán Fitzpatrick’s head during the O’Byrne Cup semi-final in Newbridge last Sunday week.

However, the evidence supplied is understood to neither clear nor damn Connolly.

Meanwhile, former Dublin footballer Ciarán Whelan has agreed to be one of Seán Boylan’s Leinster selectors for next month’s Railway Cup semi-final against Munster. Whelan and Ciarán McManus will support the legendary Meath manager for the game in Parnell Park.