Louth refs get national support as minor semi-final row a major issue
The game, which is set to take place this evening in Darver but was late last night subject to an appeal, was scheduled by the hearings committee after they upheld an appeal by Clan na nGael against the result of the game.
The Dundalk club claimed one of their first half scores against an O’Connells/Stabannon/St Josephs combination last month was not noted by the referee Stephen Murphy who had recorded a one-point win for the victors.
In support of their colleague Murphy, Louth’s referees stated they would not make themselves available to officiate in this evening’s re-fixed game.
They had also threatened a complete withdrawal of services if any official from in or outside the county made themselves available for the fixture.
Reacting to the referees’ statement, GMOA secretary Alan Nash endorsed their stance.
“The GMOA fully supports the action being taken by Louth referees against the ludicrous decision to uphold an appeal against a ref report,” he stated. “This case will be of interest to officials in 32 counties as all disciplinary procedures are based on the referee’s report being final. Every referee in the country will be watching the final outcome of this ludicrous decision of the Louth CHC.”
According to the GAA’s disciplinary handbook, only “unedited video evidence or other compelling evidence” shows that the referee has made a mistake.
The definition of “other compelling evidence” is a question of fact to be decided by the hearings committee.
Meanwhile, Galway U21 manager Gerry Fahy has stepped down from the job in a row over access to senior players.
Fahy, who has been linked to the vacant Roscommon senior job, informed Galway officials he did not want to be considered for the position next season.
Senior manager Alan Mulholland will now also look after the Galway U21 side next year. Galway football board chairman John Joe Holleran said there was an issue between the two managers over access to players.
“I wanted to find some compromise, but in the end it wasn’t possible,” said Holleran.
He said that Mulholland, who guided Galway to the All-Ireland minor title in 2007 and the U21 crown last year, will now look after the U21s next season. With so many U21 players battling for places in the senior team, it probably makes sense to have Alan in charge of them too,” added Holleran.
He added the matter was discussed at a meeting of Galway football board on Tuesday night where it was agreed Mulholland would take charge of the U21s next year.
Neither Mulholland or Fahy were available for comment yesterday.
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