Press Releases

June 3: Central Council

04, 2006

Saturday, June 3

Offaly v Kildare

It was reported at Central Council that the Management Committee considered the issues relating to the Kildare v Offaly Bank of Ireland Leinster Football Championship game at their meeting last night. The Committee decided that it was a matter for the Leinster Council, who have responsibility for the fixture, to adjudicate on the relevant substitution rules.

 

It was explained that in accordance with procedures and practice, units should have an option to pursue an appeal through the Central Appeals Committee if so desired. It was also explained that if Central Council gave an opinion on the interpretation of the rules it was tantamount to a decision on the general issue.

 

It was also reported that the Management Committee’s decision was conveyed to the Leinster Council and that they considered the issue this morning. Leinster Council have taken the decision that as per the Referee’s report the result of the game stands. Pat Dunny, the Kildare delegate to Central Council stated that it was Kildare’s intention to pursue the matter further through the avenues available to them to achieve “fair play”.

 

The Management Committee also decided that the draw for the 1st round of the Bank of Ireland Football Championship Qualifier games should take place this Sunday evening on the basis that neither Kildare nor Offaly can be drawn against Westmeath.

 

Dispute’s Resolution Authority

 

Mr Liam Keane, Solicitor, Secretary to the D.R.A, gave a report on the work of the D.R.A since its establishment. He reported that to date there have been forty nine cases before the Authority. Contrary to perception, only six of those cases were successful. There were seventeen unsuccessful cases, twelve cases were settled, six cases were withdrawn and eight cases are still ongoing.

 

Mr Keane explained that while there had been some teething problems in the evolution of the process and while adjustments to that process will of necessity continue to be made, it has generally been successful and served the Association well.

 

This was also the view of Central Council and delegates paid warm tribute to the time, effort and expertise expended by Mr Keane on a voluntary basis on D.R.A activity.

 

Review of Hurling Championship

 

Central Council have asked the Games Administration Committee to start a review process in relation to the Hurling Championship and to prepare a report for a Special Congress to be held next October. The current Hurling Championship format was for a trial period of two years. The National Leagues structure and format will be considered in the interim by Central Council and it was agreed that if counties so desire the football championship format can also be considered.

 

Christy Ring/Tommy Murphy Cup

 

It was provisionally agreed that the Christy Ring and Tommy Murphy Cup winners will play in Boston on the 21st of October. It was also agreed that the GAC would examine the possibility that the Martin Donnelly Interprovincial football final would be played in Boston on the same weekend.

 

Minister for Sport

 

The President, Nickey Brennan, confirmed that he had met with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O’Donoghue. He said that he had raised issues such as Grants for GAA players, the Development at Tallaght, Lansdowne Road and Abbotstown with the Minister. He stated that he had been informed that planning permission for Lansdowne Road was expected by the end of July.

 

He said it was emphasised that this was likely to contain numerous conditions. He also said that he had expressed his dissatisfaction that contrary to the original plan the stadium cannot now accommodate Gaelic games. He stated that he would keep the Council informed of developments.

 

He also said that the Minister had committed four pitches to the GAA in Abbotstown which would be of considerable benefit to Dublin and that he was very pleased that the Minister confirmed that county training pitches would now be included for future grant consideration.

 

G.P.A.

 

The President also reported that he had met with the G.P.A and that various matters requiring clarification and mutual understanding were raised. He said that information requested from the GPA had been forwarded to him and that a further meeting to progress matters was arranged for this month.

 

Croke Park

 

The President reported that because of expanded activity, a Director of Games and Director of Finance will shortly be appointed in Croke Park. He also stated that there was a very positive response to the advertised post of Player Welfare Officer and that applications are now being processed.

 

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