Football

Glen trio back in Derry training as All-Ireland Club final objection rumbles on

Conor Glass, Ethan Doherty and Conleth McGuckian all returned to Derry training during the week. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Conor Glass, Ethan Doherty and Conleth McGuckian all returned to Derry training during the week. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Conor Glass, Ethan Doherty and Conleth McGuckian all returned to Derry training during the week. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

GLEN trio Conor Glass, Ethan Doherty and Conleth McGuckian returned to Derry training on Wednesday night as the club awaits the outcome of their objection to the result of last weekend’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kilmacud Croke’s.

All three are in the frame to play some part in the Derry’s National League opener against Limerick at Owenbeg tomorrow, with Glass having been made county captain by boss Rory Gallagher.

It is understood that Glen midfielder Emmett Bradley will not be involved with the Oak Leafs this year.

Despite initial suggestions any possible All-Ireland Club SFC replay could take place ahead of tomorrow’s Division Two clash between Dublin and Kildare, meanwhile, the fallout from last weekend’s final looks likely to rumble on for the foreseeable.

It was reported by The Irish Examiner yesterday that Kilmacud are expected to counter Glen’s objection, with the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCC) to be informed of their decision today.

In the event of a counter-objection, the CCCC will consider both clubs’ arguments before making a decision, which looks likely to be a replay based on the obvious interpretation of Rule 6.44 (b) (i): “a team exceeding the number of players permitted under Rule 2.1 Rules of Specification, Playing Rules (15 players)”.

However, it is understood the Dublin kingpins have no interest in a replay, with any such ruling likely to be contested and brought before the Central Appeals Committee (CAC). The next stage after the CAC, should the matter remain unresolved, is the independent Disputes Resolution Authority.

Kilmacud won Sunday’s final by two points to bring the cup back to Stillorgan for the first time since 2009, but controversy arose when they defended Glen’s final attack with 16 players on the field, having failed to withdraw Dara Mullin as part of a double substitution that also saw Paul Mannion taken off, with Tom Fox and Conor Casey going on.