Dolphin win appeal but saga is still not over

DOLPHIN has won its appeal to be allowed to compete in Division 1 of the All-Ireland League next season, but the saga is not over yet.

The Cork side won promotion at the end of last season but were accused of playing an ineligible player in two crucial games.

However, the appeal hearing by the IRFU into their alleged use of an unregistered player in games against Bective Rangers and Young Munster, found that not to be the case. During a four-hour hearing, the hearing found that the player concerned, Andrew O’Driscoll, was properly registered and therefore eligible to play for the club.

Dolphin President Olan Kelleher last night expressed his delight at the result and said the club could now move forward and prepare for their Division One campaign, as well as the AIL Division Two final against Terenure.

However, the IRFU confirmed last night that Young Munster, who issued the original complaint against Dolphin, would now invoke a rule under Union rules which would necessitate the setting up of a tribunal into the affair.

This means that while Dolphin’s appeal was upheld, it is not yet 100% certain they will gain promotion as that outcome will depend on the findings of the tribunal A spokesman said it would take a little time to set up the tribunal, but they hoped it would happen shortly.

This is the first time a tribunal has been invoked under the rule.