Athenry set for county board showdown

Galway and Connacht hurling kingpins Athenry are set for a major showdown with the county board and the Connacht Council over the suspension of a player ahead of next month's All-Ireland semi-final clash against Toomevara.

Athenry lodged a formal application with the council on Sunday, calling for an inquiry into the six-month suspension handed down to defender Shane Donoghue following last September's county quarter-final clash against Loughrea.

Donoghue was suspended by the Galway GAC for 24 weeks and that appeal was upheld by the Connacht Council.

A vote of no confidence in the Galway GAC was subsequently passed at the club's AGM last month. Athenry are not happy with the way the issue was handled. Central to the case is a video of the game, thought to have been used in the disciplinary proceedings.

However, Athenry claim they have evidence there was "a clear breach of rules" by the Galway GAC. Athenry say the GAC did not adhere to Croke Park guidelines and they want the Connacht Council to reconsider the matter.

Donoghue will miss the All-Ireland semi-final against the Tipperary champions if the situation remains the same.