GAA chiefs to decide on Sigerson Cup debacle

The Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup is to once again come under the microscope tonight with Higher Education GAA chiefs set to convene for a hastily-arranged meeting at Croke Park.

They are to decide on the next course of action after IT Carlow lost their appeal against the eligibility of Westmeath footballer Graham Dillon, who lined out for the Garda College already in the campaign.

The Templemore-based side have already qualified for a semi-final tie with GMIT, which has been held up due to a prolonged row involving the legality of Dillon, Cork's Michael Cussen and Aidan O'Mahony of Kerry lining out for Garda College in this year's Sigerson Cup.

Cork IT are at the centre of the latest appeal to be heard by Comhairle Ardoideachais, and officials from the Institute will be present for tonight's hearing, in which it is expected that CIT will plead the ineligibility of Dillon, Cussen and O'Mahony.

Ironically, O'Mahony is a former Cork IT student and was chairman of their Gaelic football club during the 2006/2007 academic year.

Indeed there is also speculation that last Friday's ruling by the DRA against IT Carlow may be out of order.

The Disputes Resolution body named the Carlow college as 'Carlow IT' and not the correct form of IT Carlow in their judgement.

The DRA's rulings are generally seen as a last resort, in a bid by GAA officials to avoid their members using the legal system.

Previously such high-profile players as Westmeath's Rory O'Connell used the High Court to clear GAA suspensions.

Should the HEC decide to rule in favour of the Garda College, it paves the way for the competition to recommence next Tuesday with an April Fool's Day semi-final between Garda College and GMIT.