Blarney appeal over semi-final exit to be expedited

Blarney have lodged an objection to their Cork Senior A hurling semi-final defeat at the hands of Bride Rovers

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023 - 21:30

Eoghan Cormican

Blarney’s objection to their Cork Senior A hurling semi-final defeat because of opponents Bride Rovers having had 16 players on the field during the last play in extra-time will be heard by the County Board's Competitions Control Committee Thursday night.

Both clubs and the match officials from Saturday’s semi-final will be present for Thursday evening’s meeting.

Blarney have objected under Rule 6.44 which relates to a team exceeding the number of players permitted under Rule 2.1.

After Blarney’s Mark Coleman put his side one in front in the third minute of injury-time in the second half of extra-time, sub Conor Barry came into the Bride Rovers team as a replacement for Davy Barry. But while Conor Barry entered the field, his namesake Davy did not immediately leave the action.

The ensuing restart from Bride Rovers goalkeeper Cian Hogan landed on the opposition 45-metre line in front of the North Stand, with both Conor and Davy Barry close to the action.

Bride Rovers full-back Patrick O'Flynn gathered the restart and after he was fouled for the equalising free, Conor Barry spoke to Davy Barry who then immediately left the field.

The Blarney management noticed that their opponents had 16 players on the field in the course of the equalising free being won, with the Rebels Online co-commentary team remarking that the Blarney management were “going mad” when the Bride Rovers sub ran in without another player coming off in his stead.

Before the equalising free was struck, linesman Shane Scanlon on the South Stand side where the substitutions were made called over referee Ian McCarthy. A brief discussion ensued between the pair before McCarthy returned to the field where he instructed the equalising free be taken.

Bride Rovers’ Adam Walsh nailed the dead-ball to tie matters at 1-23 to 0-26 and send the game to penalties. Bride Rovers won the penalty shootout 3-2 to advance to the county final and end Blarney's interest in the Senior A championship.

The Bride Rovers-Newcestown Cork Senior A hurling final is scheduled for Sunday, October 22. There is no Munster competition for the winners, so any delay to the final owing to Blarney’s objection would not have a knock-on effect in terms of Cork involvement in the province.

This incident is the latest 16-player controversy to hit the GAA.

Earlier this year, Derry club Glen objected to their All-Ireland club football final defeat when it emerged Kilmacud Crokes had 16 players in their defence at the finish.

The Derry and Ulster champions were chasing a winning goal at the death against a massed Crokes defence that had one body too many.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) ordered a replay, but Glen then withdrew their objection.

A statement at the time from the Derry club said “due to the ongoing proceedings we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested. Consequently, Watty Graham’s, Glen would like to withdraw from this process.”