IT Sligo and Queens thrown out of Sigerson Cup

IT Sligo have been thrown out of the Sigerson Cup, for fielding an ineligible player against Queens University, while QUB have not been reinstated after it also emerged that they fielded ineligible players.

At a hearing of the GAA's Higher Education Hearings Committee last night in Croke Park, a decision was taken to ban both teams from the competition.

Queen's University officials including full-time GAA officer Aidan O'Rourke had argued at the meeting, that IT Sligo had fielded an ineligible player in their recent 1-9 to 0-8 loss after extra-time at the Dub.

Stephen Doak, who lined out for IT Sligo in that game is currently a full-time Sabbitical Officer with IT Sligo Students Union.

This breach of rule was successfully argued by Queens officials.

However, Queens were also punished for fielding Stranmillis College students Ciaran O'Hanlon, Tony Donnelly and Greg McCabe in that match.

While the trio all hold Queen's student cards, and Stranmillis students have been allowed to play for the University in the past, a new GAA club has been set up in the last year at the teacher training college to cater for its players, and will play in the Corn Comhairle Ardoideachais Championship next week.

Weekend hosts UCC now advance to the semi-finals, where they will meet University of Limerick or IT Carlow.

It is as yet unclear whether IT Sligo and Queens University will appeal against the decision.

Both clubs have three days from the issuing of the ruling in which to lodge an appeal should they wish.