Colleges to rule in black card row

The fallout from the first black card officiating error is expected to reach a conclusion tomorrow.

The Munster post-primary CCC will convene tomorrow evening to rule on Coláiste Chríost Rí’s objection following last Wednesday’s Corn Uí Mhuirí quarter-final defeat to Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne.

Referee Kevin Walsh did not send off Corca Dhuibhne captain Barra Ó Súilleabháin after he received a yellow card in the first half and was subsequently black carded on 46minutes. Under the new rules, the midfielder should have received a red card after his second caution but Kevin Walsh failed to show a red card and allowed sub Gareth Ó Brosnacháin replace Ó Súilleabháin. The Cork school led by 1-5 to 0-5 at the time but were overturned in extra-time.

The Críost Rí management viewed Walsh’s referees report last Friday and were not satisfied it went far enough in addressing the black card error.

Corca Dhuibhne have until midday tomorrow to lodge a counter objection, but Munster colleges servicing officer John Brennan confirmed a meeting of the CCC will still take place regardless.

“Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne have three days to counter object if they do not agree with what Críost Rí are contesting which are the contents of Kevin Walsh’s report. Corca Dhuibhne’s three-day timeframe for counter objecting will come to an end tomorrow morning. The CCC will still meet on Wednesday evening to discuss the objection of Críost Rí, the referee’s report and any other evidence.”

Brennan said a resolution would have to emerge from tomorrow’s meeting because of the short timeframe to run off the Corn Uí Mhuirí competition.

“The case will be treated as a matter of urgency. St Brendan’s Killarney are waiting in the semi-final fixed for Saturday, February 8. There are players from St Brendan’s involved with Dr Crokes who have an All-Ireland club semi-final the following weekend.

“If we delay this semi-final, you are impinging on the Dr Crokes game. Then there is the Hogan Cup and the Munster champions have to be determined by a certain date. A resolution will need to be reached. We’d hope to have an outcome from tomorrow.

“The Munster post-primary CCC comprises of six individuals, one from each county. Because it is Kerry and Cork schools who are involved, the two representatives from the involved counties won’t sit on the committee. The schools will be invited along and are allowed to make a statement. Once they make their statements, the referees report and all other evidence will be considered.”

Críost Rí manager Aidan Moynihan hopes justice will prevail: “We weren’t happy with the referee’s report. It didn’t go far enough. 30 or 40 young players went out last Wednesday and gave a great display as ambassadors for the game and it was the adults who erred and let them down. Hopefully the right thing will be done.”