Tensions high among Wicklow CCC after divisive vote

TENSIONS among the Wicklow GAA CCC are reported to be very high this week after a major disagreement over how to handle an alleged breach of the rules by the Avondale Junior hurling team in terms of player eligibility.

According to sources within Wicklow GAA, two players from the Avondale outfit were fielded illegally during the Junior championship, one who had been named on the list of 18 from the club’s Senior squad and the other who didn’t have permission to play from his home club.

The breach was reportedly brought to the attention of the disciplinary committee of Wicklow GAA but it is understood that no action was taken for up to six weeks.

Eventually, a meeting was organised in Ballinakill between members of Wicklow CCC and representatives of the Avondale GAA Club where it was suggested that the team withdraw from the championship and accept the punishment following on from the rule breaches.

However, sources within Wicklow GAA have said that this course of action was not taken so the matter reverted back to a vote within the CCC group to decide whether or not to allow the Avondale Junior hurling team to compete in the Junior ‘C’ championship final or to eject them from the competition.

The vote was won by a substantial margin to keep the Avondale Junior hurling team in the competition but it is understood that the matter has caused significant tensions within the Wicklow CCC.

It’s understood the error by the Avondale club was entirely accidental and that the club believe they have been exonerated by the CCC vote.

Indeed, prior to the latest lockdown, they had been due to compete in the Junior ‘C’ final.

A member of the Wicklow CCC and the Avondale Chairman were contacted by the but both declined to comment.