Junior final dispute drags on

Ballysaggart are seriously considering contesting the decision to allow the result of last month’s All-Ireland junior club hurling final replay to stand.

On Thursday, the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) ruled Creggan Kickhams’ victory over the Waterford side was legitimate. This followed an investigation into the eligibility of two players, Conor Small and Donal Carey, who were questioned as being underage for an adult team.

Both were U16 last year when the competition started. Ballysaggart had queried their involvement in the form of an objection to the result but it was received two and a half hours past the three-day deadline.

Ballysaggart couldn’t line out any of their 16-year-old players because they had been informed the All-Ireland series is deemed the same competition as the county and provincial series in 2013.

They are set to apply to the Disputes Resolution Authority to hear the case. They have also heard how Rower-Inistioge could not field Darragh Joyce, brother of Kilkenny senior Kieran, in the All-Ireland intermediate club HC championship as he was under 16 last year.

Creggan argued they hadn’t fielded Small and Carey last year, starting them in 2014 when they will both turn 17.

It is understood the CCCC made the decision based on the ambiguity of the rule and the possibility it would be open to challenge if Creggan were dethroned as champions.

Central Council will be charged with providing a binding interpretation for next season’s club championships. The rules advisory committee will be asked to clear up the rule with a motion at Congress 2015.

Rule 6.16 says a player must be over 16 years to play an adult game. To be “over” 16 the player’s 16th birthday must fall prior to January 1 of the championship year.