Pensioner aims to challenge GAA referee's decision in court

A pensioner wants to bring High Court proceedings arising out of the controversial decision to allow stand a goal scored by Meath in the 2010 Leinster football final against Louth.

The case is being brought by Louth football fan Paddy Garvey (aged 75) over the awarding of Meath's controversial winning goal in the Leinster SFC final at Croke Park, when Meath's Joe Sheridan infamously threw the ball over the line to deny the Louth the Leinster championship.

Arising out of the decision Mr Garvey issued a summons, under Section 51 of the district Court Rules compelling the GAA President to come before the court.

He says that he issued the summons against the GAA President because Meath won the game, and were awarded "the Leinster medals", despite that GAA rules were clearly breached when Joe Sheridan threw the ball over the line. His summons was struck out in July 2011.

He appealed that ruling to the Circuit Court and last March Judge Alison Lindsay, upheld the District Court's decision to dismiss Mr Garvey's summons.

Today, Mr Garvey sought permission from the High Court to have Judge Lindsay's decision judicially reviewed.

He claims that Judge Lindsay failed to give reasons why his case was being dismissed, which he submits he is obliged to do.

The application was heard by Mr Justice Michael Peart who told Mr Garvey that he would consider the legal documents he submitted in his application and would give his decision next week.