Kilmacud Crokes formally awarded All Ireland Club title

RESOLVED: Kilmacud Crokes' players celebrate after the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final match between Glen of Derry and Kilmacud Crokes of Dublin at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Kilmacud Crokes have been formally awarded the 2022-23 All-Ireland Senior Club title.

Following Glen’s withdrawal from the disciplinary process but with their initial objection remaining, it had been expected the Central Appeals Commitee would hear Crokes’ challenge to the Central Competitions Control Committee’s decision (CCCC) to order a replay.

However, Crokes were convinced by the CCCC to withdraw their appeal on the basis they had done nothing intentionally wrong and were the agreed winners.

A statement from the GAA on Thursday afternoon read: “Representatives of Kilmacud Crokes and the C.C.C.C met today to consider the implications of the decision on Friday of Watty Graham’s Glen to withdraw from the process initiated around the 2023 AIB All-Ireland Club Football Final.

“The C.C.C.C, arising from an objection on behalf of Watty Graham’s Glen, had ordered a replay of the game on the basis that in excess of the number of players permitted were on the field for the last play of the game.

“The C.C.C.C Decision – communicated to the two Clubs on Tuesday of last week - had made it clear that this was not a deliberate action and that no fault was attributed to Kilmacud Crokes for the situation they found themselves in.

“Upon a request from the C.C.C.C., Kilmacud Crokes, in the interests of fully resolving the matter, today agreed to withdraw their Appeal to the Central Appeals Committee.

“A subsequent meeting of the C.C.C.C has formally awarded the 2023 All Ireland Club Championship to Kilmacud Crokes.”

Kilmacud Crokes reacted positively to the GAA’s statement in their own press release.

“We welcome today’s statement by the GAA which brings to an end what has been a very difficult two weeks for both Watty Graham’s GAC, The Glen and our own Kilmacud Crokes.

“The teams, management and the family and friends of all GAA clubs know the sacrifice, physical endurance and mental strength that is required to reach an All-Ireland Senior Club Football Final and we congratulate both clubs on their achievement.

“We would like to thank our players, the management team, volunteers and our wider membership community for their ongoing support and commitment.

“Our Club will continue to move forward focused on our passion to promote the enjoyment of Gaelic games within our community in an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for all ages and all levels.”