Clare to appeal player suspensions

The Clare County Board is to appeal the GAA's decision to suspend four of the county's hurlers for their part in the recent violent scenes at Semple Stadium, as well as the imposition of a €5,000 fine.

At a meeting last night, senior officials outlined in detail the steps that the board has taken so far in the matter.

Discussions have also been held with the four players affected about how best to proceed with their appeals.

Despite comments directly to the contrary yesterday, Michael McDonagh, the chairman of the County Board, stressed that there was never a thought given to withdrawing from the championship.

Meanwhile, it appears Cork will not be taking any further action after the suspension of three of their players because of the so-called Semple Scuffle.

Sean Óg Ó Hailipín, Donal Óg Cusack and Diarmuid O'Sullivan have all been left out of the team to face Waterford in Sunday's Munster semi-final clash.