Clare board silent on tunnel altercation

The Clare County Board executive refused to respond yesterday to reports that manager Davy Fitzgerald, Clare Champion journalist Peter O’Connell and Davy’s father, board secretary Pat Fitzgerald, were involved in an altercation in the tunnel following Saturday’s pulsating draw with Wexford in the All-Ireland hurling qualifiers.

The row broke out almost three-quarters of an hour after the full-time whistle when an irate Davy Fitzgerald accused O’Connell of “trying to destroy Clare hurling and succeeding”.

The journalist was standing in the tunnel when the Clare hurling boss emerged from the home dressing room and proceeded to lambast O’Connell’s recent coverage of the All-Ireland champions.

Fitzgerald, it is understood, was held back by a member of the Clare set-up as he sought to move towards O’Connell.

As O’Connell attempted to move towards the All-Ireland winning boss he was, allegedly, stopped by Pat Fitzgerald.

The situation was subsequently diffused.

It is understood a sizeable number of supporters from both counties witnessed the altercation.

It remains to be seen what action, if any, will be taken by either the Clare County Board or the GAA over the incident.