Cork and Armagh hit with hefty punishment

Cork and Armagh have both expressed surprise at the CCCC’s decision to suspend four players and fine each county board €5,000 as a result of the mass scuffle in the Athletic Grounds almost two weeks ago.

Michael Shields faces a two-match ban if the suggested punishment is carried while his Rebel colleague Pearse O’Neill and the Armagh pair of Malachy Mackin and Ciaran McKeever are facing the prospect of a one-match absence.

Cork officials said last night they would liaise with team management and the players in question before deciding whether to appeal. Armagh will do the same but one county official said he would be “very surprised” if they didn’t fight the charges.