Byrne banned for bizarre rule break

ONE OF the most bizarre rules introduced in conjunction with the introduction of the new Under-17 grade has led to the suspension of former star hurler, Billy Byrne.

The rules stipulate that a 16-year-old, deemed a first year Under-17 player, is not eligible to play in the Under-20 grade.

While clubs should have familiarised themselves with the various rules brought in to cover both new under-age grades, teething problems were always likely given this is the first year of these competitions.

Gorey town club, Naomh Eanna, became the first victims for playing a 16-year-old in Under-20 competition, after coming under investigation by the C.C.C.C.

Following a full investigation, well-known Naomh Eanna mentor Billy Byrne, who had charge of his club’s Under-20 team, has been handed a two-month ban for an infringement of this rule.

Chairman of the Central Competitions Control Committee, Aidan O’Leary (Shelmaliers), said a full hearing was given to the club, following which the two-month ban was imposed.

‘We are only implementing the rule that’s there,’ he said.

Naomh Eanna appealed the suspension to the Wexford Hearings Committee but failed in their bid to have it lifted.

Club Chairman, Nicky Stafford, said: ‘We appealed the ban but failed. We would be only wasting our time going to Leinster Council.

‘This is the G.A.A’s way of encouraging people to become involved with clubs and teams,’ he added.

Billy Byrne will long be remembered as one of Wexford’s leading goal-scoring forwards during his career, particularly his ‘super-sub’ tag in the latter stages of his career when he could always be depended upon to find the net on his introduction to a game, no matter how important.

Since retirement he has been hugely involved with Wexford Minors and under-age hurling in the county.

This latest chapter of events, particularly the suspension, must come as a huge disappointment for what could best be described as a ‘slight blip’ in the interpretation of these newly-introduced rules.

WEXFORD TOWN sportswoman Rianna Jarrett has endured more than her fair share of injury misfortunes over the years, so that’s why it’s so encouraging to see that her general fortunes appear to be on the rise.

She has finally managed to escape the treatment bench to enjoy an extended run with Wexford Youths Women in their defence of the Continental Tyres National League title.

And her fine performances certainly haven’t gone unnoticed if a couple of recent announcements are anything to go by.

First of all, Republic of Ireland team manager Colin Bell named her in his 21-strong squad for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway, along with club colleague Claire O’Riordan.

It’s the first time that Jarrett has been selected since March, 2016, when the now 23-year-old sustained her third cruciate injury on her international debut against Italy in the Cyprus Cup.

And that great news was probably still sinking in when, just two days later, Rianna - scorer of nine league goals this season - was also shortlisted for the May player of the month award along with Aislinn Meaney of Galway and Peamount United’s Karen Duggan.