Details of fines emerge after investigations into minor semi- final

THE details of fines imposed on two clubs who were involved in a fracas after a minor match were outlined at the Convention. The incident, which happened at the end of the Minor Football semi- final between Owenmore Gaels and Shamrock Gaels back in September, saw both clubs fined € 3,000 and € 2,000 respectively by the CCC ( Competitions Controls Committee). Suspensions for two players from Owenmore Gaels and one supporter from Shamrock Gaels was also proposed by the CCC, some of which were appealed. In its report, Coiste na nÓg said the incidents which happened were very disappointing and should not have happened. “The incidents after the Minor semi- final led to a protracted investigation, some 240 hours, by the CCC. Financial penalties for the two clubs (€ 3,000 in respect of Owenmore Gaels and € 2,000 in respect of Shamrock Gaels - both penalties to be halved if no similar incidents within a 12 month period) and suspensions for two players from Owenmore Gaels and one supporter from Shamrock Gaels were proposed by the CCC.

“The Shamrock Gaels supporter accepted the proposed penalty. The two players and both Clubs sought hearings by Coiste Eisteachta Shligigh. At the Hearings, Coiste Eisteachta Shligigh decided to impose an eight weeks suspension on one of the players, with no penalty being imposed on the second player. Coise Eisteachta Shlighigh also decided, in respect of Owenmore Gaels, that the infraction occurred as set out in Riail 7.2 ( d) ( 3) Disruptive Conduct by Players and Supporters ( not causing the premature termination of a game) and accordingly imposed a penalty of € 750 on the Club payable on or before December 31st 2016.

“In addition, Coiste Eisteachta Shlighigh decided, in respect of Shamrock Gaels, that the infraction occurred as set out in Riail 7.2 ( d) ( 3) Disruptive Conduct by Supporters ( not causing the premature termination of a game) and accordingly imposed a penalty of € 750 on the Club, payable on or before December 31st 2016.

“The Owenmore Gaels player and the Shamrock Gaels Club appealed the decision to Coiste Eisteachta Chonnacht. There was no appeal by the Owenmore Gaels Club. The player’s appeal was deemed to be out of order under Riail 7.11 ( g). Shamrock Gaels’ appeal, which was on technical grounds was upheld but a fine of € 200 was imposed.

“Coiste na nÓg will leave it to the readers to determine whether the outcomes in these instances were a proportionate response to the events which occurred on the evening in question.”

A delegate from Shamrock Gaels who was at the Convention, asked why the proposed penalties had to be disclosed publicly as it was not part of the remit of Coiste na nÓg.

In response, Joe Murphy of Coiste na nÓg said he was acting runaí of the CCC and the reality is that is what happened.

“There was a lot of attention brought to Sligo and a lot of poor attention. This sets out the penalties post hearing and I don’t see any issue,” he said.

The delegate from Shamrock Gaels said they were happy if that was how the Coiste na nÓg felt it sets out.