Central Hearing Committe updates

Central Hearing Committe updates

24 March 2012

A round-up of the disciplinary action against Niall Carew, Pearse O'Neill, Ciaran McKeever, Rory Kavanagh and Paul Grimley.

Kildare selector Niall Carew who was reported in the Referees Report for "Abusive Language towards a referee" in the league game against Monaghan, requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

After considering all the evidence, the CHC decided the Infraction alleged is more likely to have occurred than not to have occurred and imposed the following penalty: 4 weeks suspension.from the date of decision of the CHC (23ú Marta 2012).

Pearse O'Neill of Cork who was reported in the Referees Report for "Second Cautionable Infraction " in the game against Laois, requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

At the Hearing, the CHC deemed that the second caution should not have been administered by the referee. The CHC decided the infraction was not proven.

Ciaran McKeever of Armagh who was reported in the Referees Report for "Kicking with force" against Laois, requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

At a Hearing on 23.03.12, the CHC considered a number of preliminary issues and decided as follows:
(i)The Referee was not entitled to send McKeever from the field of play based solely on information received from a Sideline Official.
(ii) McKeever does not stand suspended.
(iii) An application for an adjournment by the CCCC to allow them investigate the allegation of misconduct against McKeever was acceded to on the basis that the Hearing will resume as soon as possible.

Arising out of the Referees Report from the same fixture Paul Grimley was charged with committing the infraction of "Abusive Language towards a referee " and "Threatening conduct towards a referee" in the above game. He requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

Prior to the hearing on 23.03.12 Grimley accepted he committed the infraction of "Abusive Language towards a referee". The CHC imposed the proposed penalty of 4 weeks suspension from the date of decision of the CHC (23ú Marta 2012).

In relation to the infraction of 'Threatening Behavior towards a referee', after considering all the evidence presented by the CCCC and the Defending Party, the CHC decided the Infraction was not proven.

Rory Kavanagh of Donegal who was reported in the Referees Report for "Striking with elbow" against Mayo, requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

After considering all the evidence presented by the Defending Party, including video evidence, the CHC decided the Infraction alleged is more likely to have occurred than not to have occurred and imposed the following penalty:

One Match Ban in the same Code and at the same Level, applicable to the next game - National League or Senior Championship.
http://www.hoganstand.com/Monaghan/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164959

Monaghan take their punishmment

Galway 1-14 to 0-12 Monaghan in Longford Sun 25 Mar 2012

Substitute Padraig Joyce inspired Galway to a 1-14 to 0-12 win against Monaghan in Longford.

Another sub, Danny Cummins, confirmed that the Tribesmen's promotion dream remains intact when he netted in injury time. Meanwhile, Monaghan (who face Tyrone in Round Seven!) are now in danger of being relegated for a second year running.

Motivated for obvious reasons, the losers roared into a 0-8 to 0-6 interval lead.

A small crowd of just 578 turned out to see this game, which Monaghan of course were forced to play on neutral ground.

http://www.hoganstand.com/Monaghan/

Royals overcome by Tyrone in Healy ParkSunday 25 Mar 2012

Royals overcome by Tyrone in Healy ParkSunday 25 Mar 2012
Four straight defeats have left the Royals on the brink of relegation to Division Three, and they must beat neighbours Louth next weekend to make sure of survival.

Tyrone had nothing to play for after securing promotion last week, but they had no difficulty in stretching their winning run to six games at Healy Park. Meath offered little more than token resistance as they crashed to a 10-point defeat.
Manager Seamus McEnaney is under serious pressure as he looks for a way to turn things around.

He opted not to speak to the media following this latest reversal, but selector Tom Keague insisted that the management and players will face up to the crisis.

"We're the only ones who can dig ourselves out of this now. Two weeks ago we were looking towards promotion, and now we have to win this game to avoid relegation," said Keague. "We're so flat at the minute, and between players, manager, selectors, we have to turn this thing around very quickly."

Disastrous
After winning their first two games against Monaghan and Westmeath, the Meath men were confident and upbeat, but all that has changed following a disastrous run of results.

"It's got worse each game. We tried our hardest, but Tyrone were the superior team, far sharper all over the field, they were winning all the breaks," said Keague.

"We have a huge game against Louth. There's no-one blaming anyone, we're all in this together."

Stephen O'Neill punched in a fifth-minute goal, and Meath were chasing the game after that.

The Red Hands stepped on the gas in the final 10 minutes of the first half to lead 1-6 to 0-3 at the halfway stage. Even with wind advantage, Meath could not turn the game around, and points from Kyle Coney (2), Mark Donnelly and Cathal McCarron soon had Tyrone ahead by 10 points.

The Leinster men managed just two second-half points, and played the last 20 minutes with 14 men after full-back Kevin Reilly was booked for a second time.

Man of the Match: Peter Harte (Tyrone)
SCORERS -- Tyrone: S O'Neill 1-2, K Coney 0-4 (4f), P Harte, S Cavanagh (1f) 0-2 each, A Cassidy, C McCarron 0-1 each; Meath: C Ward 0-3 (1f, 1 '45'), S Bray (1f), G Reilly 0-1 each.

TYRONE -- J Devine 6; A McCrory 7, J McMahon 6, C Gormley 6; C McCarron 7, P Harte 8, R McMenamin 6; A Cassidy 6, C Cavanagh 7; R McNabb 7, Mark Donnelly 7, S Cavanagh 7; K Coney 6, N McKenna 6, S O'Neill 7. Subs: O Mulligan 5 for O'Neill, J Lafferty 4 for Coney, C Girvan 4 for Donnelly, S McNally 4 for McNabb.
MEATH -- D Gallagher 6; M Burke 6, K Reilly 7, C King 7; S McAnarney 6, B Menton 6, D Tobin 7; T Walsh 6, M Ward 6; S Kenny 6, S Bray 6, G Reilly 6; P Gilsenan 7, J Queeny 6, C Ward 7. Subs: B Meade 6 for Walsh, B Farrell 4 for Kenny, C Gillespie 4 for M Ward, D Carroll 4 for G Reilly.
REF -- P Hughes (Armagh)
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/mcenaney-lost-for-words-as-royals-face-battle-to-avoid-relegation-3060858.html

Cash strapped Mayo off to Algarve in April !

Cash strapped Mayo off to Algarve in April !
The Mayo footballers will hold a training camp in Portugal next month as part of their preparations for their defence of their Connacht crown.

James Horan's charges, who have hit a sticky patch in the Allianz Football League in recent weeks, will fly out on Sunday, April 15 and return the following Saturday, April 21. Both Division 1 semi-finals are scheduled to take place on the day of their departure, and there is a possibility that Mayo could be involved in one of those if they win their remaining games against Cork, Dublin and Kerry.

According to the Mayo News, the recently disbanded Mayo supporters' group in Dublin, Club Mayo Dublin, will contribute to the cost of the trip along with the Mayo county board. Club Mayo Dublin were informed earlier this year by the county board that they were no longer entitled to fundraise for Mayo GAA following the establishment of a new fundraising group, Cáirde Mhaigheo.

Mayo secretary Kevin O'Toole confirmed that there has been no communication between the Dublin-based supporters' club and the county board in the past fortnight, but that contact would be made this week.

Two years ago, Mayo were forced to cancel a planned six-day training camp in Vilamoura, Portugal after it emerged that it would have been in breach of GAA regulations.
http://www.hoganstand.com/Mayo/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164726

GAA and AFL mourn death of Jim Stynes

GAA and AFL mourn death of Jim Stynes
JIM STYNES 1966-2012
THE GAA and the AFL are mourning the death at the age of 45 of Jim Stynes.on Mon 19 March 2012
An All-Ireland minor medallist with Dublin in 1984, Stynes went on to have the greatest career in the Australian rules of any Irish player.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Stynes passed away in the company of his family in Melbourne yesterday.
His move to Australia was an obvious loss to Dublin footballers when he was originally scouted by the great Ron Barassi and joined the Melbourne Demons with whom he forged a remarkable relationship, playing for the club in an AFL record 244 consecutive matches between 1987 and 1998 and winning the Australian game’s Player of the Year accolade, the Brownlow medal in 1991.
Two years later he was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame and was named in the Melbourne Team of the Century.
Mobile and durable, he played in the engine room of the Australian game as a ruckman and overcame the disappointment as a rookie of committing a technical foul that cost his club the 1987 preliminary final against Hawthorn to become one of the modern game’s most respected players.
After his playing career ended he involved himself in the administration of the Demons, as the club struggled with rising debt and four years ago took over as president and played a key role in eliminating Melbourne’s debt.
His sporting links with Ireland remained strong.
He became a key figure in international rules, playing in three test series – always with the away team – in 1987, ’90 and when the internationals resumed in 1998.
After that year’s first test then Ireland manager Colm O’Rourke asked unavailingly that Stynes be allowed play for Ireland in the second.
After his playing career had ended he remained involved as a selector with the Australian teams and the medal for the best AFL player in the series is named after him.
Although clearly unwell and frail, he appeared in Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium last October to throw in the ball for the first test in the 2011 series, which was won by Ireland.
His activities off the field also earned Jim Stynes great respect.
He established the Reach Foundation in 1994, a project to promote mental health and wellbeing among young people. In 2003 he was honoured by his home state as Victorian of the Year.
He is survived by his wife Samantha, daughter Matisse and son Tiernan as well as his extended family in Australia and Dublin.
His brother Brian, who also moved out to Australia, was a senior All-Ireland medallist with Dublin in 1995.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0320/1224313581925.html

Armagh's Ciaran McKeever sent off for assault in tunnel

 

Armagh's Ciaran McKeever sent off for assault in tunnel
Laois 1-15     Armagh 1-10  Sun 18 Mar 2012 O'Moore Park

A controversial red card for Armagh centre-back Ciaran McKeever overshadowed Laois' second league win of the year, with Armagh players, management and supporters confronting referee Michael Duffy at the final whistle in O'Moore Park.
McKeever's dismissal came about in bizarre circumstances, as he was shown a straight red card before play had resumed for the second half, reportedly for an incident that happened in the tunnel at half-time.

McKeever initially refused to leave the field, as he stood in the centre-back position before he was eventually ushered off the field to a standing ovation from the majority of the Armagh supporters in Portlaoise.

There was further drama at the final whistle, as Armagh selector Paul Grimley tried to confront Duffy on the field -- as did a number of players -- while the Sligo official had to run a gauntlet of abuse from disgruntled Armagh fans who lined the tunnel to meet him as he left the field.

The red card, and the fallout from it, took from what was a crucial victory for Laois, who came into the game on the back of two defeats to Dublin and Cork.
They were slow to get going, with Armagh hitting the front early on through points from Brian Mallon (free) and Aidan Forker, but Laois eventually found their stride and led by 0-7 to 0-3 at half-time.
The start of the second half was disrupted by McKeever's dismissal, but Laois took advantage of their extra man to open up an eight-point lead, 0-12 to 0-4.
Armagh launched a spirited comeback, with a goal from Caolan Rafferty helping them whittle the lead down to two points with 10 minutes to go.

They couldn't keep it up though, and some hesitant defending from Armagh in their own penalty area allowed Brendan Quigley's high ball to bounce into the hands of Paul Cahillane. He tucked the ball into the back of the net to help Laois to a second win of the campaign.

Man of the Match: Eoin Culliton (Laois)
SCORERS -- Laois: P Cahillane 1-1, C Begley, MJ Tierney (2f) 0-3 each, R Munnelly 0-2, K Meaney, M Timmons, B Sheehan, D Strong, D O'Connor, C Kelly (f) 0-1 each. Armagh: C Rafferty 1-1, B Mallon (2f), A Forker (1f) 0-2 each, A Duffy, G McParland, M O'Rourke (f), J Kingham, J Lavery 0-1 each.
LAOIS -- E Culliton 8; C Healy 7, K Lillis 7, P O'Leary 6; K Meaney 7, M Timmons 6, C Boyle 6; J O'Loughlin 6, B Quigley 7; C Begley 7, B Sheehan 6, D Strong 6; MJ Tierney 6, A Kelly 5, R Munnelly 6. Subs: P Cahillane 6 for Kelly (h-t), D O'Connor 6 for Tierney (56), J Kavanagh for Sheehan (68), C Kelly for O'Loughlin (70)

ARMAGH -- P McEvoy 6; F Moriarty 7, D McKenna 7, A Mallon 6; K Dyas 6, C McKeever 5, P Duffy 6; BJ Padden 6, P Carragher 6; A Forker 6, C Watters 6, A Duffy 6; G McParland 6, B Mallon 6, C Rafferty 7. Subs: J Lavery 6 for Carragher (25), C Vernon 6 for Padden (40), M O'Rourke 6 for McParland (40), J Kingham 7 for Forker (50), R Rafferty 6 for Watters (63).
Ref -- M Duffy (Sligo).
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/mckeever-controversy-overshadows-laois-success-3054121.html

Derry defeat Meath Sun 18 march 2012

Derry defeat Meath Sun 18 march 2012
Derry 0-13     Meath 0-9
A determined Derry condemned Meath to their third straight defeat at Pairc Tailteann.

The Oak Leafers outscored the hosts by 0-6 to 0-3 in the second half to ease their relegation worries and leave the home support stunned into silence. Touted as promotion contenders after beating Monaghan and Westmeath into their opening two games, the Royals now find themselves in the relegation mire and will need to show a vast improvement in their remaining games against Louth and Tyrone if they are to avoid the drop.
They will also rue 15 wides - eight in the first half and seven in the second - compared to Derry's seven.
Meath, who rarely lose in Navan, led by 0-5 to 0-4 after 20 minutes thanks to three points from Graham Reilly and two Stephen Bray frees, with Enda Lynn and Paddy Bradley replying with two points each for the visitors. Bradley and Cian Ward exchanged scores before points from Brian McCallion and Blaine Gormley ('45) gave Derry a slender half-time lead.
Indeed, Meath had goalkeeper David Gallagher to thank for not being further in arrears when he made a point-blank save to deny Sean Leo McGoldrick two minutes from the short whistle.
Another Stephen Bray free levelled on the restart before Derry opened up a three-point lead courtesy of two Conleth Gilligan frees and a second Gormley '45. The visitors were leading 0-12 to 0-8 when Donnacha Tobin blasted over with a goal at his mercy. That proved to be the Royals' only score from play in a dismal second half showing as Derry held on for the win.

Derry - B Giles; B McCallion (0-1), C McKaigue, A McAlynn; C Kielt (0-1), M Craig, S L McGoldrick; M Friel, PJ McCloskey; Patsy Bradley (0-1), C Gilligan (0-2), B Gormley (0-2); E Lynn (0-2), Paddy Bradley (0-4), C O'Boyle. Subs: E Scullion for McCallion, N Forester for Gilligan, O Browne for Friel.

Meath - D Gallagher; M Burke, K Reilly, C O'Connor; C King, B Menton, G Reilly (0-1); T Walsh, M Ward; D Tobin, S Bray (0-5), S Kenny (0-1); P Gilsenan, C Ward (0-2), S McAnarney. Subs: G O'Brien for O'Connor, A Forde for King, C Gillespie for Gilsenan, B Farrell (0-1) for C Ward.

Referee - P Hughes.
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164507

Crossmaglen Rangers and Garrycastle played a 0-15 to 1-12 draw

Crossmaglen Rangers and Garrycastle played out an epic 0-15 to 1-12 draw at Croke Park.
All Ireland Club Final

A crowd of 25,412 people were kept on the edge of their seats throughout as these two magnificent teams went toe to toe. Both sides were reduced to 14 men, with Tom McHugh and Paul Kernan each going off with two yellows early in the second half, and the holders recovered a five-point deficit before spurning five match-winning chances at the death.

Garrycastle produced an excellent first-half display and Patrick Mulvihill's 21st-minute goal helped them take a 1-8 to 0-7 interval advantage.

Dessie Dolan popped the Green & Reds into the lead with a second-minute point, awarded after Crossmaglen full back Paul Kernan was penalised and yellow carded even though he appeared to get the ball with his diving tackle. The Westmeath champions had settled quickest and James Dolan doubled their advantage with a tidy point in the third minute.

Jamie Clarke collected a quick free and swivelled to open the holders' account in the fourth minute. Kyle Brennan, wearing No.18, was a late addition to the Cross' starting XV but his effort flew to the right of the posts and wide. Corner back Paul McKeown also had a go but his shot was left and wide…

Garrycastle's Paul Dillon was a very lucky man to only see yellow when he pushed his head towards Brendan McKeown's and the latter - another late selection - was also booked seconds later for a foul on James Duignan. Duignan made it 0-3 to 0-1 immediately after getting on the end of a quick free.

Tony Kernan and the inimitable Dessie Dolan traded points and the underdogs led by 0-4 to 0-2 after ten minutes. But Cross' wing back Aaron Kernan bombed upfield to slot over an excellent left-footed point in the eleventh minute.

Garrycastle goalkeeper Cathal Mullin did brilliantly to foil Tony Kernan and Dillon slotted over a free after Dessie Dolan was fouled by Paul Kernan. Oisin McConville tapped over a 13-metre free from in front of the posts on 14 minutes (after a foul on Clarke) to make it a one-point match again, 0-5 to 0-4.

Dessie Dolan measured another free to perfection to curl it between the posts and Clarke dropped over an excellent point from play, off that trusty left boot. Cross' had a good chance when Aaron Kernan ran at the Garrycastle defence but James Gaffey dealt well with the threat, standing his ground.

In the 21st minute, after Paul Kernan could only parry a high delivery from a sideline ball, Garrycastle full forward Patrick Mulvihill rocked the defending champions with a superb goal, sending a low shot past the despairing dive of Paul Hearty to the bottom left corner of the net: 1-6 to 0-5. Dillon missed a simple free as the midlanders tried to move further ahead and McConville picked out Clarke for a tidy point at the Hill 16 end: 1-6 to 0-6 after 24 minutes.

Hearty gathered a shot from Tom McHugh and James Dolan made it a four-point game four minutes from the break after a mistake at the back by Aaron Kernan. It was one-way traffic as blood substitute Aidan Browne slotted over another point to put the challengers five points ahead coming up to the short whistle.

In first-half injury time, full forward Michael McNamee arrowed over an excellent point from an acute angle off his left foot to leave four in it at the break.

David McKenna dropped a shot short upon the restart. When Tony Kernan was fouled, Aaron Kernan dropped his free short into the goalkeeper's hands. In total, the Black & Amber missed three great chances in the first three minutes of the second half, with Johnny Hanratty also off target.

In the fifth minute of the second half, Garrycastle corner back Tom McHugh was sent off with a second yellow card after fouling Clarke, and McConville thumped over the close-range free to double the punishment. Garrycastle went back on the attack and Dessie Dolan arced over a sumptuous free after a foul on Duignan - 1-9 to 0-8.

In the tenth minute of the second half, Cross' were also reduced to 14 men when Paul Kernan was adjudged to have fouled Gary Dolan and handed a second yellow card - Dessie Dolan tapped over the free and the Leinster champions moved into a commanding 1-10 to 0-8 lead.

Great play by Clarke placed Aaron Kernan for his second point and Tony Kernan brought it back to a three-point match after Clarke had hit the butt of the post from a yard out when a goal looked inevitable. Corner back Mark McCallon stopped the ball from bobbling over the line… 1-10 to 0-10 with 17 minutes to go…

Clarke hit an upright and the ball could easily have fallen into McConville's arms in front of goal but instead it rebounded to safety. McConville didn't let his head drop and he pointed from a tight angle across his shoulder to reduce the arrears to two with 14 minutes to go.

David McKenna was wreaking havoc in the Garrycastle defence since moving in to the full forward line and he won the free from which McConville pointed to make it 0-12 to 1-10 with 13 minutes remaining. The sides were level a minute later when McConville landed a trademark free from the hands.

The Ulster champions had been dominant since their full back was sent to the line but McConville dropped another effort short before Dessie Dolan bought a cheap free from the Cross' defence and thumped over the kick to make it 1-11 to 0-13 with 51 minutes gone.

Tony Kernan sent a shot to the right and wide after Clarke was denied a free close to goal. At the other end, Mulvihill showed great persistence to whack over the insurance point: 1-12 to 0-13 to Garrycastle with six minutes left to play.

McConville dropped over a fabulous point from a 45-metre free five minutes from the end to leave the minimum between them again in an intriguing contest; the repositioned McKenna equalised 40 seconds later with a great finish from a tight angle.

Three minutes from the end, Cross' were awarded a debatable free 20 yards out but McConville couldn't curl it over from the left wing. The Armagh champions came forward again and McConville missed another shot off his left boot in the 60th minute. There would be two added minutes…

On the stroke of normal time, Clarke missed another goal chance when he got on the end of Aaron Kernan's free but inexplicably palmed the ball side with just the goalkeeper to beat from three yards. Tony Kernan missed another shot in the first minute of injury time.

In all, Cross' turned down five match-winning opportunities in the closing stages, with Clarke dropping one short and the final whistle sounded with the sides level.

The replay should be interesting. Garrycastle came very, very close to glory today, while Crossmaglen pulled it out of the fire and also missed a hatful of great chances in the second half.

Crossmaglen Rangers - P Hearty; J Morgan, P Kernan, P McKeown; A Kernan (0-2), D O'Callaghan, B McKeown; J Hanratty, D McKenna (0-1); T Kernan (0-2), K Brennan, A Cunningham; J Clarke (0-3), M McNamee (0-1), O McConville (0-6). Subs - S Finnegan for B McKeown, K Carragher for Brennan, M Aherne for McNamee, F Hanratty for Caragher.

Garrycastle - C Mullin; M McCallon, J Gaffey, T McHugh; K Henson, D Harte, E Mulvihill; S O'Donoghue, D O'Shaughnessy; P Dillon (0-1), D Dolan (0-6), J Dolan (0-2); G Dolan, P Mulvihill (0-1), J Duignan (0-1). Subs - R McGowan for Duignan, A Browne (0-1) for G Dolan, A Fox for Henson, A Daly for Dillon.

Ref - R Hickey (Clare).
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164486

Monaghan ordered to forfeit home advantage again

Monaghan ordered to forfeit home advantage again

17 March 2012

 

 

The fallout from the Allianz FL game involving Monaghan and Kildare shows no sign of abating, as Monaghan have once more been told they will lose home advantage for a league game.
The Farney County were originally charged with 'Disruptive conduct of their players' due to a melee in their home game against Kildare. They were hit with a proposed €5,000 fine by the CCCC which they decided to appeal.
The CHC changed the penalty to forfeiture of home advantage of their game against Louth. The Central Appeals Committee upheld that penalty but the DRA then overturned it, and told the CHC to process the original appeal once more.
That allowed Monaghan to host Louth in Clones last weekend, but the CHC met yesterday and imposed a new penalty on the county, that they must play their next scheduled home Allianz FL game at a neutral venue.
Monaghan were due to play Galway in Inniskeen on 25 March, but if the new penalty sticks, then the game will go ahead at a neutral venue.
Monaghan were notified of the reconvened CHC meeting but did not attend and neither did they avail of the facility offered to attend by way of telephone-conferencing.
They can once more appeal the decision through the Central Appeals Committee and if that fails, then go to the DRA once more.
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164482

BAN them for life say's Paraic Duffy

BAN them for life -- that's the hardline stance proposed by director general Paraic Duffy for players who commit serious offences on the GAA's playing fields.

Acknowledging that the GAA had "serious issues of indiscipline to address", Duffy said they had a duty to ensure that penalties were adequate to act as a real deterrent.

"A player who strikes an opponent a deliberate foul blow off the ball, inflicting serious injury, deserves more than a 16-week suspension," he said. "A much stiffer penalty would be more appropriate.

"I believe we should make more use of the rule which allows disciplinary committees to have due regard for the gravity of the infraction and to impose a penalty of up to 96 weeks or, in exceptionally serious cases, debarment from playing."

Disciplinary issues feature prominently in his annual report, which he launched yesterday, and he also expressed forthright views on a wide range of other issues, including the state of Gaelic football.

He believes that the foul count remains far too high and remains concerned that the game is not reaching its full potential. Experimental rules, designed to eradicate negative play, were trialled a few years ago but didn't receive the required two-thirds majority to be passed at Congress. Duffy believes that has hindered the development of Gaelic football.

"The average foul count is still far too high and the negative features remain in Gaelic football, which is detracting from the game for players and spectators," he said.

"Add in the negative features of the mass-defence system now being employed by many teams, the emphasis placed on heavy tackling through two-handed pushes to the chest and the swarming around the player in possession and there is a real and imminent danger that football is developing into a less attractive spectacle."

Duffy wants Congress to reconsider the 2009 proposals on disciplinary playing rules with a view to making the game more attractive and easier to referee. "I believe that football has yet to realise its full potential as a game in the way that hurling has," he said.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/gaa-chief-looking-for-harder-stance-on-indiscipline-3051126.html

Banty not happy with referee Gary McCormack

Banty not happy with referee Gary McCormack
Galway 1-12 Meath 1-11 Sun 11 Mar 2012
Meath manager Seamus McEnaney was disappointed with his side's performance and the standard of refereeing in their defeat to Galway.
McEnaney felt Dublin referee Gary McCormack was far too quick to issue yellow cards, but refused to blame him for the Royals' loss.
"We are not pointing the finger, but the bottom line here is Meath had enough possession in the second half to win the game and we didn't win it," he said.
"There seemed to be yellow cards dished out for a matter of form. This is the reason I was very strongly against the yellow card the time it was changed, because it is taking the physicality out of the game.
"We are trying to manage a team to play Gaelic football and it is putting managers under serious pressure. We had to take two men off in the first half, probably two of our best defenders, simply because we were told next foul they would be sent off.
"I don't want to criticise like that and I'll tell you why: Meath didn't play well enough today, Meath were not good enough and not intense enough.
"They didn't move the ball at enough pace and the shot selection was very poor. We need to get that right in the next seven days."
http://www.hoganstand.com/Meath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=164068

Derry Manager John Brennan NOT happy

Derry Manager John Brennan NOT happy Tues 13Mar2012

Kildare

2-13 - 2-08

Derry Sun 11  Mar 2012

Derry manager John Brennan has expressed disgust at the performance of referee Martin Higgins in his team's Allianz Football League Division 2 defeat to Kildare at Newbridge.
Brennan was vexed by Higgins' decision to award a dubious penalty to Kildare, and not to award a penalty to Derry, in an incident which the Oak Leaf boss thought was a clear spot kick.
Speaking to RTÉ's Sunday Sport, Brennan said: "I blame the referee entirely, but I asked him as to why he didn't give us the penalty at the end, when it seemed to be everyone around, spectators and all, thought it was a legitimate call, as opposed to the one that he did give [to Kildare].

"So, there's a six-point turnaround. I wouldn't have minded a penalty had the Kildare full-forward been going through on goal and been pulled down. But actually one of our defenders was away with the ball, soloing out the pitch, and he decided then that he'd give a penalty - belated.
"The full-back and full-forward were tangling, but to give a penalty for it, it's wrong. But anyway, that's the six-point turnaround. And we were beaten by five.
"I know that we made mistakes, we had a ball blocked down and they came down and scored the goal from it. Good luck to them. But we didn't deserve to be beaten by five points there.
"That particular official was controversial to us in the McKenna Cup final and he travels from Fermanagh and does that today, so I hope he has a happy journey home."
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2012/0311/brennanj_derry.html

No more GOALS from Joe Sheridan

No more GOALS from Joe Sheridan Mon 12 Mar 2012
The Meath footballers have been dealt a crushing blow with the news that Joe Sheridan left for the US this morning.
The star forward is initially away for two months, despite efforts to persuade him to stay. Sheridan works in construction and despite having a job offer here, has decided to take up another offer of employment in Boston.
News of Sheridan's departure was well known in Meath last week but when contacted the player requested that the details be kept under wraps until after the county's Allianz FL game with Galway on Sunday.
"I'm just going for a couple of months to start, but there are no definite plans set yet," Sheridan told hoganstand.com last week.
The Seneschalstown clubman marked his last appearance for the Royals with a late equalising goal when coming off the bench in yesterday's game against the Tribesmen in Salthill. However, Paul Conroy replied with the winning point for Tribesmen.
One of the game's top forwards, Sheridan is best known for his controversial winning goal in the 2010 Leinster final.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Meath County Board, Sheridan explained his decision: "After a lot of thought I have decided to emigrate to take up an opportunity I simply could not refuse. I finalized my decision last Friday.
"I would like to thank the Meath senior football team management and the Meath county board who worked hard to secure employment for me but I feel that this opportunity abroad is something I need to do.
"I would like to wish my clubmates, both club and county, the very best of luck in 2012."
http://www.hoganstand.com/Meath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=163973

Galway 1-12 Meath 1-11 NFL Div 2 Sun 11 Mar 2012

Galway 1-12 Meath 1-11 NFL Div 2 Sun 11 Mar 2012
This was a real campaign decider for both these counties and it showed during a nervous conclusion when both sides squandered chances when they were deadlocked.

But at the end Paul Conroy had the composure to deliver a second win of the campaign for Galway and inflict a second one-point defeat on a Meath side whose League campaign is starting to flounder after two opening wins.

This game at Pearse Stadium may not have had championship intensity or importance, but there was a lot at stake and it was obvious from the reaction of the two managers afterwards.

"It leaves us with our backs against the wall regarding promotion," said Meath manager Seamus McEnaney. "The game against Derry next week is now a huge one for us.

"Up to now we have been playing very, very good football and we were playing high-intensity games and working extremely hard and making good decisions on the ball. Last week's one-point defeat was bitter to swallow but at the same time it was a big performance.

"But this was a disappointing performance, especially the first half. We seemed to be only in second gear. The second half we had enough possession to push on and win the game, maybe we didn't take the right choices at the right time."

Galway manager Alan Mulholland, whose side's opening-day win over Derry was followed by a draw against Louth and a shock loss to Westmeath, said that the victory can alter their campaign hugely.

"It's a big, big win for us," said Mulholland. "We had two poor performances against Louth and Westmeath and we were afraid that we might get sucked into a bit of a spiral.

"What was great was that we got the response from everybody. We played with a lot of intensity, a lot of effort, which the team were criticised for last week, and probably rightly so.

"We showed great composure in that we worked the ball through -- in the last couple of weeks we have been going for silly scores in unreachable areas of the pitch -- and showed the composure that was missing in the last two games.

Controversial

Conroy, who captained the 2007 All-Ireland minor-winning team which Mulholland managed, was the hero yesterday as he fired home the goal which separated the sides for long periods and then hit a dramatic winner two minutes into stoppage-time after a controversial Joe Sheridan goal levelled the game.

The Seneschalstown man fisted to the net nine minutes from time when he latched on to a high delivery from Cian Ward which seemed to be sailing wide.

Referee Gary McCormack consulted with his umpires before awarding the goal despite claims from Galway that Sheridan was in the square and that the ball was wide.

That levelled the game and ensured a tight finish where both sides squandered good chances before Conroy had the composure and confidence to have a go from 35 metres and land the winner.

Conroy also supplied the main score of the opening half when he showed Meath full-back Kevin Reilly a clean pair of heels to solo in from the left and drill the ball low to the net from a tight angle.

That helped Galway open up a 1-7 to 0-6 interval lead after the sides had been level four times before Conroy's goal.

Nicky Joyce was in superb form for Galway and landed 0-7, four of them from play, and that helped the Tribesmen open up a five-point lead 10 minutes after the restart.

But Meath struck back and hit three points in a row, with Cian Ward getting a second '45' and Mark Ward hitting another superb effort from distance, before Sheridan found the net.

Galway drafted in Padraic Joyce for his 15th campaign and they secured an invaluable win when Conroy hit the winner in the dying moments.

Man of the Match: Nicky Joyce (Galway)

Scorers -- Galway: N Joyce 0-7 (3f), P Conroy 1-1, D Cummins, N Coleman, G Bradshaw, G Sice 0-1 each. Meath: S Bray 0-4 (4f), C Ward 0-3 (2'45), J Sheridan 1-0, M Ward 0-2, S McAnarney, T Walsh 0-1 each.

Galway -- A Faherty 7; K McGrath 7, F Hanley 7, K Kelly 7; G Bradshaw 8, D Blake 6, G O'Donnell 6; G Higgins 6, J Bergin 7; G Sice 7, D Burke 8, N Coleman 6; N Joyce 9, P Conroy 8, D Cummins 7. Subs: T Flynn 6 for Coleman (59), J Duane for Blake (64), P Joyce for Cummins (67), M Hehir for Burke (70).

Meath -- D Gallagher 6; M Burke 6, K Reilly 6, B Menton 6; C Lenihan 6, S McAnarney 6, D Toibin 7; T Walsh 7, M Ward 8; C O'Connor 6, G Reilly 6, S Kenny 7; P Gilsenan 6, C Ward 7, S Bray 7. Subs: C McGuinness 6 for Lenihan (27), J Sheridan 7 for O'Connor (30), G O'Brien 7 for Toibin (h-t), J Queeney 6 for Reilly (50), B Meade for Kenny (73).

Ref -- G McCormack (Dublin).
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/conroys-cool-head-proves-key-for-galway-3046607.html

Offaly left fuming by referee's calls Antrim 2-14 Offaly 1-8: Sat 3Mar2012

Offaly left fuming by referee's calls Antrim 2-14 Offaly 1-8: Sat 3Mar2012
OFFALY STAY rooted to the bottom of the table after this loss to Antrim on Saturday, but boss Gerry Cooney fired a broadside at referee Ciaran Branagan before leaving Casement Park.
His side finished with 13 men and Cooney was at a loss to explain why. “We had five yellow cards and no cards for the opposition and there wasn’t a bad stroke in the game as far as I’m concerned.”
Offaly’s Shane Sullivan was sent off in the first half following an exchange with an umpire, while sub Anton Sullivan was sent off late on for a second yellow.

"We had five yellow cards and no cards for the opposition and there wasn't a bad foul in the game. It's hard to take," said Cooney.
"I spoke to the referee. He said it (the sending-off) was for abusive language -- if that's a red card, I think we'd see an awful lot more."
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0305/1224312792408.html

Kildare inflicted a 0-18 to 2-11 defeat on Meath at Navan.

Kildare inflicted a 0-18 to 2-11 defeat on Meath at Navan.

Meath's Graham Reilly up against Eamonn Callaghan of Kildare

Kildare inflicted a 0-18 to 2-11 defeat on neighbours Meath at Navan Sat 3 Mar 2012

Kieran McGeeney's men seem to have the indian sign on the Royals and so it proved once more tonight when they just about prevailed in a scintillating match that see-sawed one way then the other.

Both sides made mistakes but the first half was entertaining, Kildare taking a 0-8 to 0-6 lead into the interval.

Paddy Gilsenan had the hosts up and running but Tomas O'Connor replied with a fisted effort after some tigerish defending from the Royals.

The Lilywhites took over and moved ahead by double scores, 0-4 to 0-2, thanks to another fisted point from midfielder Daryl Flynn.

Cian Ward narrowed the gap but Padraig O'Neill slotted over to give McGeeney's charges a 0-5 to 0-3 lead. And Eamonn O'Callaghan made it double scores again with a lovely score at the end of a flowing move in the 19th minute.

Chris O'Connor's point had Banty's charges back within the minimum coming up to the half-hour mark but scores from Eoghan O'Flaherty and O'Callaghan ensured that the visitors remained in control.

At the end of an entertaining opening period, Kildare held a narrow 0-8 to 0-6 advantage.

Stephen Bray closed the gap shortly after the restart and the sides were soon level. But three points in a row from the visitors - the third from the boot of O'Flaherty - had Kildare ahead by 0-11 to 0-8.

Amazingly, the Royal County bolted into a 1-9 to 0-11 lead, with Paddy Gilsenan hitting the net, but a free from O'Flaherty tied the scores up once more.

Gilsenan had another goal chance but opted to take his point, firing the home side back ahead. But Morgan O'Flatharta crept goalwards to float over the leveller.

And Eoghan O'Flaherty's sixth score of the night edged the Lilywhites back in front. It was looking ominous for the hosts when Kildare stretched their lead to two points again with a Morgan O'Flatharta effort but Meath are notoriously difficult to beat and they powered back in front thanks to a rasping goal from Donnacha Tobin.

Kildare found yet another leveller from O'Neill three minutes from time and it was end to end stuff as both teams went for the winner thereafter.

And right at the death Ollie Lyons knocked over the decisive point to give Kildare a thrilling win.
http://www.hoganstand.com/Meath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=163200

What the Taxman wants from the GAA

What the Taxman wants from the GAA

Martin Breheny Irish Independent outlines how a detailed memo from Croke Park could have major implications on how counties conduct their future financial affairs

WHILE the row over expense payments to referees has been diffused for the present, tax issues could emerge on a much larger scale for the GAA, arising from discussions between Croke Park and the Revenue Commissioners.

The GAA sought a hurried return to negotiations with Revenue on Tuesday after Longford referees called a strike in protest against a new payment arrangement, involving a meal payment of €13.71, plus a car allowance of 50c per mile. Under the existing arrangement, referees were paid a flat fee.

Wexford referees threatened to walk out too, while it was expected that similar strikes would have spread rapidly over the coming weeks.

The GAA are now to re-engage with Revenue in an effort to strike a deal that will satisfy referees and avoid a possible shutdown of the club scene throughout the country.
 Croke Park had already notified counties about the changed requirements for referee payments, even supplying sample claim forms, and were taken aback by the reaction from referees.

Tom Ryan, national finance director, Kathy Slattery, national finance manager and Lauri Quinn, national finance management committee chairman, are currently conducting a tour of the country explaining the income tax implications of various aspects of GAA activity.

This follows meetings between the GAA and Revenue in recent months to clarify various issues that have been of concern for quite some time. Revenue have advised the GAA that they will be visiting various units this year to review their tax affairs.

Croke Park has issued counties with a memo, covering a whole range of areas where tax issues may arise and advising how to address them.

The document, which has been seen by the Irish Independent, covers a broad spectrum, including expenses, payments to stewards, foreign trips, courtesy cars, gym membership and clothing.

While the referees' expenses issue is back for renegotiation, the others are not and will have to be implemented if counties and clubs are to be fully tax compliant.

It all comes against a background where the GAA are about to embark on the latest crackdown on illegal payments to managers at county and club level.

Counties have backed the proposal to rigorously enforce the current rules on amateur status and it now remains to be seen how Croke Park goes about applying it.

The matter will be discussed at a Management Committee meeting next week and formal proposals will be put to the counties over the next few months.

INCOME TAX AND THE GAA: WHAT CROKE PARK HAS TOLD THE COUNTIES

PAYMENTS TO MANAGERS, PLAYERS, OFFICIALS, REFEREES

"The Association does not allow payments under our amateur status, but Revenue have also outlined that the following items are taxable:

- Salary, wages, expenses, bonuses, grants, honoraria, perquisites, benefits, etc.

- Inducement payments

- 'Round Sum' expenses payments (for example €X per training sessions)

- Payment in respect of a potential loss of occupational or other earnings (eg monies to compensate for an individual's absence from his/her occupation)

- Payments of bills on behalf of individuals.

"However, set out below (expenses) are the circumstances under which Revenue are prepared to allow tax-free reimbursement of expenses to managers, management teams, players, officials, etc."

EXPENSES

"It is a long-established principle of tax case law that expenses incurred in travelling from home-to-work-to-home are expenses which are not necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of players, managers and the reimbursement of such expenses is taxable and subject to PAYE.

"Revenue are prepared to accept that the reimbursement of expenses for travelling and subsistence to individuals involved in GAA games may be paid tax-free, provided that such reimbursement is:

(a): The only payment made to the individuals.

(b): Merely puts the individuals in a position to attend training, games or meetings.

(c): No more than reimburses the individuals the expenses actually incurred and do not exceed what are known as civil service rates for expenses (travel and subsistence).

(d): Meals provided after training -- a taxable benefit does not arise. However, subsistence expenses should not be paid free of tax in such circumstances."

PAYMENT TO CASUAL EMPLOYEES

(stewards, stiles personnel, ticket sellers, etc)

"Payments to casual employees at games are taxable and the appropriate deductions should be made under the PAYE system.

"Where the name and PPS number of the casual employee is provided, Revenue are prepared to accept that, for ease of administration, tax at an agreed rate of 28.5pc can be used."

CAR PROVIDED BY THE GAA OR A SPONSOR

"Where a car is provided by the GAA to individuals and is available for the private use of the individual, a taxable benefit arises.

"The person who provides the car must account (under the PAYE system) for the tax, PRSI and USC on the notional income amount of the benefit provided."

FOREIGN TRIPS

"Where a foreign trip is part of a training camp schedule or tied to a promotional game, Revenue are prepared to accept that no charge to tax arises. However, this tax treatment is not available in respect of trips where individuals may receive payment in lieu of participating in such a trip (ie, the cost of provision of the trip in lieu is taxable).

GYM SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR PLAYERS

"Revenue are prepared to accept that a charge to tax will not arise where gym subscriptions are paid on behalf of players who are required to maintain levels of fitness as an integral part of a team-training regime."

CLOTHING

"Revenue are prepared to accept that the provision of team/club/county clothing and sports gear to players at reasonable cost will not give rise to a charge to tax."

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/revealed-what-the-taxman-wants-from-the-gaa-3036887.html