Kickhams await ruling in eligibility row

Creggan Kickhams will learn later this week whether they will be able to hold on to their All-Ireland junior club hurling title.

The Antrim side beat Waterford’s Ballysaggart in a final replay last month but Croke Park authorities are investigating the eligibility of two of their players.

Conor Small and Donal Carey were U16 last year and didn’t feature in Kickhams’ county or provincial successes, as they were underage for adult level.

However, they played in all three of their All-Ireland series games this year which, according to the GAA’s Official Guide, is linked to last season’s competitions and therefore raises questions about their legitimacy.

On learning of Small’s age, Ballysaggart objected to the result of the game but it was dismissed by the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) as it was lodged past the 72-hour deadline from the game’s throw-in. However, the CCCC are taking advice from other groups, such as the rules advisory committee and a judgment could be made by Thursday or Friday.

There remains the possibility that no club will be awarded the 2013-14 trophy.