THE start of the Tyrone club season may have to be delayed due to a dispute over last season’s battle for promotion from Division Two.
Greencastle won the title on the last day of the campaign by beating Kildress, but only by virtue of a shock defeat suffered by leaders Aghyaran at the hands of relegation-threatened Killeeshil.
But it later emerged that Greencastle had used an U17 player, which is not allowed in adult football under GAA rules.
The club had the points from that game deducted by the CCC, meaning that Aghyaran were to be elevated to Division One, along with intermediate championship winners Moortown, leaving Greencastle to remain in the second tier.
The St Patrick’s club appealed the decision, unsuccessfully to both Tyrone and Ulster governing bodies, and have now taken their cane to the Disputes Resolution Authority.
The Tyrone club leagues are due to begin on May 6, but until the matter is resolved, the line-up of teams in Divisions One and Two can not be finalised.
On the day that Greencastle won the match that clinched the league title, a video taken in their dressing room went viral.
It showed the players waiting nervously for news of Aghyaran’s result, and an eruption of celebrations as confirmation came through that the Division Two leaders had been beaten.
Club footballers throughout the county are now facing uncertainty over the starting date for the new season, but Division Three is not affected by the dispute, and will get under way as scheduled on Friday, May 6.
Donaghmore are fielding a Thirds team for the first time, joining Errigal Ciaran and Coalisland in expanding their playing platforms to cater for a growing number of players.
Their newly-formed side will make its bow in the Division Three league with a trip to Drumquin.
