Athenry says Garda inquiry opens can of worms

Galway and Connacht champions Athenry, four of whose players are the subject of a Garda inquiry after an opponent alleged he had been assaulted during a match, say the case has "far-reaching implications" for the GAA.

The club issued a statement through secretary Michael Quinn saying their players were determined to clear their names.

The inquiry has arisen out of a club championship quarter-final match in September involving the Galway champions and Loughrea.

Two players were sent to the line and the Galway GAC subsequently banned Athenry wing-back Shane Donohue for six months, a decision that was upheld by the Connacht Council.

A Loughrea player, who was hospitalised after the game, made a complaint to gardaí, alleging he had been assaulted by four players.

Ballinasloe gardaí say their investigation is almost complete and a file will be sent to the DPP in due course.

Athenry face Toomevara in the All-Ireland club semi-final on February 12 and want the Connacht Council to reopen the case.

The statement continued: "We are satisfied that there were clear breaches of rules and regulations and that our players were wrongly accused of offences."

It concluded: "These events, if not dealt with properly by the GAA, raise serious questions for players and have far-reaching implications for every team and club in the country."